Inkjet printers are non-impact printers that create images by spraying tiny droplets of ink onto paper. They are known for their quiet operation and ability to produce high-quality prints, making them suitable for various applications where noise level is a consideration, unlike dot matrix printers which are noisy due to their impact mechanism.
Plotters are specialized devices used for producing detailed and precise graphical outputs on paper. They excel in creating large-scale graphics such as architectural plans and engineering diagrams by drawing continuous lines directly onto paper. This distinguishes them from other input devices like trackballs, joysticks, and light pens, which serve different interactive purposes with computers.
Daisy wheel, drum, and chain printers are all types of impact printers. They operate by physically striking a ribbon to transfer ink onto paper, with each type using a different mechanism to achieve this. These printers were common before the advent of modern inkjet and laser printers, known for their distinctive printing methods and capabilities.