In a recent post that I published about computers and hardware and their quality, I mentioned my DOT Matrix printer. I own a Citizen GSX 140 color dot-matrix printer, built in the late 80’s. I also use it often. You might ask why I would still use something still old, and I hope to discuss the benefits and the cons of these kinds of printers, and encourage you to consider picking one up as well.
Related reading: “Can you refill a dot matrix printer ribbon with WD40?”
Why? Cost, efficiency, long-lasting.
When was the last time you bought a new ink-jet printer? Probably within the last three years. Ink-jet printers are not met to last long, neither are the cartridges they have for ink.
An Epson MX-80 dot matrix printer (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Two to three years seems to be the average replacement rate. DOT Matrix printers were and still are built to last a long time. The ink ribbons, printing heads, belts, and motors withstand a great deal of use for an extremely long time. Nearly every Dot matrix printer was made to print high levels of output, even those intended for home use.
A dot matrix printer is great for printing out things that are non-professional. I wouldn’t print my résumé on a DOT Matrix printer, but I do print out emails, Craigslist posts, contact information, maps, and things I want to read later.
How much does a dot matrix printer cost?
New dot matrix printers are expensive, and I would not recommend buying them unless you own a business and truly need something to have a higher speed output. The average computer user may find interest in a new dot matrix printer. These can be found on eBay, but they often pop up at surplus sales and garage sales.
The actual costs vary greatly. Don’t buy something expensive.
What should I look for in a dot matrix printer?
By today’s standards, it will be good to search for a printer with a 24-pin count or more. 9-pin output is really met exclusively for word processing and will not print out things such as PDF documents or basic graphics very well. 9-pin printers look best when printing in their native fonts, but modern word processors rarely support text printing anymore and the 9-pin printer is becoming obsolete.
Star LC-10 dot matrix printer, this printer was actual technology in the 1980s (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
One major point of consideration is to make sure that the printer you are considering buying has ribbons available. Typically, a ribbon will print about 1 million characters before it begins to ware and become difficult to read. You can spray WD-40 into the ribbon container to extend the life, but this will only last for so long. Ribbons are typically available as new-old-stock, these will work just fine. There are a few companies still making ribbons.There are color dot matrix printers as well. They aren’t useful for printing family photos, but they work fine for printing graphs. I often print Craigslist ads out which contain photos, a 24-pin color dot matrix printer renders the images just fine for reference, but not for high detail identification.
After you’ve adjusted to using your new printer and you go to order ribbons, consider buying a few.
The paper for a dot matrix printer usually comes in reams. These have perforated edges with holes that allow a dot-matrix to tractor feed the paper in. There are auto-sheet-feeder printers available as well that take standard A4 (8.5 X 11″) paper like you would use in any ink-jet printer. You should take this into consideration.
I truly like paper reams, I rarely have to visit the printer to add more paper (ink-jet printers store a small amount in their paper tray, a ream of paper might be 1,500 pages all connected and you don’t have to visit the printer until it runs out or jams). I also enjoy that I don’t have to staple papers to keep them together.
Cons of dot matrix:
Dot matrix technology is slow. Especially color printing, which can take a very long time. I tend to hit print, and grab the paper later. I don’t use my dot matrix printer when I need something really quick.
The ribbons for many printers can be difficult to find.
Reams of paper are harder to find at stores. Depending on where you are, you may have to special order paper or buy online.
Some dot matrix printers jam up often, others do not. My Citizen GSX 140 is a great printer, but the cover that comes over the paper exit often does not properly allow paper to get through and sometimes it gets scrunched up and I have to remove the paper myself.
A review of the pros:
The cost. You will never beat the cost of a DOT Matrix printer. The total cost of a DOT Matrix printer, paper, and a new ribbon will likely cost less than buying a single 3-color inkjet cartridge.
The longevity. You will probably go years before you replace it, which is especially good considering it probably printed for years before you bought it.
The efficiency. Ink-jet ink does not last long and is very expensive.
Great post about DOT Matrix printers. A lot of information about DOT Matrix printers in the post. These are the powerful printers which print high levels of output.