Output Devices

Output Devices

1. Dot Matrix Printer

   • Is an impact printer Used in hospitals, manufacturing sites,car sales, industrial sites . Uses multi-part continuous stationary
   • Advantages: Purchase cost very low Running cost very low Easy to maintain & robust. Makes carbon copies Continuous paper can be used
   • Disadvantages: Very noisy & slow printer Poor print quality. Prints in black ink. Resolution is very low.

2. Ink Jet Printer

   • Ideal for home use. Is a non-impact printer Uses ink cartridges Cost cheaper than laser
   • Advantages: Produces high quality colour prints. Portable and quieter than Dot Matrix Compact
   • Disadvantages: Slower than laser printers Cartridges needs replacing frequently. Expensive to run Not suitable for long print runs

3. Laser Printer

   • Non-impact printer. Used in network systems . Used in offices & schools Produces high resolution printouts
   • Advantages: Very fast printing speeds Running cost lower than inkjet More expensive than other printers
   • Disadvantages: Replacement cartridges expensive . Usually large and heavy More expensive to repair Printing in colour can be very expensive

4. Plotter

   • Types : Drum, Flat bed. Draws diagrams and maps Used by Engineers & Architects Uses electronically controlled pens.Creates high quality & accurate drawings
   • Advantages: Large sized paper used (i.e. A0).Pens have different thicknes
   • Disadvantages: More expensive than printers Not suitable for text.Slower than printers

5. CRT Monitor

   • Most common output device
   • Advantages: Quiet, cheap, no waste of paper. Displays text/graphics in many colours Very bulky & heavy
   • Disadvantages: Takes a lot of desk space No permanent copy. Quality depends on resolution Only limited info displayed at a time

6. Control Devices

   • Washing machine Medical applications Greenhouses, cookers Medical application Operates without a break
   • Advantages:Can handle heavy tasks Can perform precise tasks Work can be done in dangerous areas Technical knowledge required to repair
   • Air conditioning systems Central heating systems Industrial robots
   • Disadvantages: Repair costs can be expensive Additional equipment usually needed Water sprinkler for humidity Heater/cooler for temperature

7. TFT Monitor

   • Smaller/Lighter than CRT.
   • Advantages: Sharper quality than CRT . Uses less power than CRT
   • Disadvantages: More expensive to buy than CRT .No permanent copy Quality depends on screen resolution Only limited info displayed at a tim

8. Multimedia Projector

   • Used where large viewing area is required More people can see the screen than with a monitor
   • Advantages: Presenter can make the lesson/training more fun or easy to follow .Audience can enjoy the learning experience
   • Disadvantges: Cost a lot of money (Projector & Screen). Training is required on how to setup and use A PC, TV or video/DVD recorder in order to us

9. Speakers

   • Used with a sound card Outputs sound Adds to multimedia content
   • Advantage: Useful for blind people Generally cheap to buy
   • Disadvantages: Speakers can get too loud Excessive sound output can damage speaker