When printers were first invented it has ribbon cartridges and not ink cartridges. Many people are confused with the word ribbon and confuse it with the general meaning of the ribbon. Well this is not the same case in printers as there is some different technology used in the printers.

The most famous types of ribbon printers are type writers and dot matrix printers. These two categories are the most economical types of printers and they are easy to use as well but the quality of the print is not the same as the ink jet printers. Dot matrix printers create image by making tiny dots on the paper when the pin comes contact with a cloth soaked in printer ink.

This strip of cloth is called the printers ribbon and is also known as thermal printer which is seen in the form of fax machines, cash registers and card terminals. These ribbon printers are advantageous because the ink has the low tendency of drying and is easy to maintain.

In thermal technology printers the ribbon contains a wax kind of printer ink which comes in contact with heat sensitive papers with the help of platen roller. The heat of the thermal printer makes the wax melt and then prints on the paper.

There is also a ribbon printer which is perfect for printing documents and is very cheap in price as well. These are also known as daisy wheel printers but have one disadvantage to it for printing documents slowly. All the characters are molded on leaves which are spun by the wheel and the hammer then pushes the leaf forward to print on the paper.

Now we will switch to ink cartridge printers and see that what advantages they have to offer. Ink cartridge printers are expensive and are quick in printing speed as well. They have one of the best quality prints and are much better than ribbon printer’s quality. Nowadays many offices and businesses have started using ink cartridge printers because people in offices want their work to get done quickly and with good quality.

There is one disadvantage attached to ink cartridge printer and that is you have to refill the ink cartridge when the ink has finished in the printer. This is going to cost you on frequent basis and you will have to refill the inks from time to time when the ink in the cartridge finishes. This is not a hard task and is easily changed and if you do not know how to change it then the shopkeeper from whom you will buy ink cartridges will teach you how to change or he can also change the cartridges for your ease.

It is not a difficult task to select which type of printer is suitable for your needs. if you are low on budget and want to get general documents printed then you can buy ribbon printers and if you want high quality fast processing then ink cartridges are the best.