Most people thought the printer was a pretty cool technological advance. It was useful too. By simply connecting a printer to your computer, it was possible to print out documents and presentations. In the beginning, printers were only black and white. A big advancement came with the invention of the color printer. Over time, these became affordable enough for everyone to purchase one. Still, there were a better printer advances to come. A printer is more truly a computer accessory than a simple piece of hardware.
Today’s printers are like electronic office mates. More than simple color printers, they provide functionality in a variety of ways. Many inexpensive models allow users to scan documents into their computer, fax documents and, of course, print documents. The best printers also allow users to print out photo quality pictures directly from their computer or the Internet.
As an accessory, printers run the gamut. Very inexpensive models with basic functionality are a starting point; however, the more money one spends on a printer the better quality and the more functionality that is available to the user. Today’s printers typically come complete with the hardware and software needed to install and run them.
There is one area of printer technology that does need improvement: printer cartridges or toners. Currently, these can be very expensive. As a result, many users are someone selective in what they choose to print. A positive note, major printer manufacturers are currently working on technology aimed at making print cartridges and toners more cost effective.
We’re still in the midst of a technological revolution. As a result, we can expect to see even greater advancements in the area of printer and printer accessories in the next few years.