output devices

Output device

Advantages

Disadvantages

Monitor

(CRT)

• Large viewing angles

• Can be used with light pens

• Run hot

• Heavy

• Consume more power (than other monitor types)

Monitor

(LCD)

• Low power

• Lightweight

• No flickering

• No image burn-in

• Motion blur/ghosting

• Colour & contrast variable from different viewing angles

Monitor

(LED)

• No motion blur/ghosting

• Low power

• Long life

• More expensive (than LCD)

• Contrast can be poor

Touch screen

(Output)

• Intuitive

• Space-saving

• Susceptible to smudge

• Potential calibration issues

Multimedia projector

(Output computer usually to much larger display)

• Large display

• Good for presentations

• Space saving

• Requires darkened room

• Expensive bulbs

• Need separate audio

• Quality is variable

Laser printer

(Dry ink)

• Fast

• High-quality prints

• Lower cost per page

• Expensive initial cost

• Limited to flat surfaces

Inkjet printer

(Four/five wet inks)

• Lower initial cost

• High-quality prints

• Ink can be refilled

• Slower

• Higher cost per page

• Ink may smudge

Dot matrix printer

(Inked ribbon)

• Low cost

• Can print multi-part forms

• Very good for long print runs

• Noisy

• Low print quality

• Slow

Plotters

(Drawing & blueprints)

• High accuracy

• Can print on various materials

• Inexpensive to run

• Slow

• Expensive to buy

• Large size

3D printer

• Customisable designs

• Rapid prototyping

• Medical benefits

• Limited materials

• Slow process

• Counterfeit items easier to produce

• Very expensive

Speakers

• Range of sizes and power outputs

• Immersive audio

• Helps people with disabilities

• Expensive for higher quality output

• Varying sound quality

Actuators

(Control motors, pumps, switches etc.)

• Precise movement

• Programmable

• Allow automatic control of many devices

• Requires power

• Potential mechanical wear

• Requires DAC interface