flickr.com / Sean MacEntee

The computer peripherals we have come to know as printers and scanners have evolved apace this highly competitive market with ever changing features, sizes and capabilities. With everything from the compact devices that will fit into a handbag to behemoths that service the commercial application of producing thousands of prints per hour, there is something for everyone in the market, today.

Printers have come a long way from their original dot matrix versions. Inkjet desktop printers offer quick and efficient sheet printing with the capability of recycling printer ink cartridges or buying a printer ink refill kit for the ultimate in cost savings.

The laser printer is quite an accomplishment of science and technology. Using a process known as electrographic printing, laser printing produces high output and the best quality suitable for professional presentations. There is no risk of smearing ink or losing this content to moisture.

Scanners allow the user to convert the content of hard copy data into digital form that can be processed by the computer, including such sources as books, photographs, page text and more. There are a variety of scanners available for a multitude of uses, including those that scan and convert negative film images into digital format.

Our ability to scan and print a host of media for self-promotion of business; professional-looking materials to “save the date” for a wedding or other formal occasion; or simply sharing the vintage photo collection with relatives far afield have delivered us more fully into the computer age.