Thermal printers vs inkjet printers (desktop, media, printer, applications)

[clearer_skies_13]

Is it economical for a consumer to have a thermal printer versus an inkjet printer?

Ink is very expensive so I was thinking maybe having a thermal printer may be cheaper. However, is there even thermal paper that is 8.5 x 11 in or do they only come in rolls?

[EscapeCalifornia]

Thermal? Like fax machines and receipt printers? Those are the only applications I've seen for that technology.

If you want an inexpensive monochrome printer, get a Brother laser.

[clearer_skies_13]

Originally Posted by EscapeCalifornia

Thermal? Like fax machines and receipt printers? Those are the only applications I've seen for that technology.

So there's no desktop thermal printers that you can hook up to a computer and just print out letters or random things?

[EscapeCalifornia]

Originally Posted by clearer_skies_13

So there's no desktop thermal printers that you can hook up to a computer and just print out letters or random things?

I've never seen one. Aside from the expensive special paper, the print fades out after a year or two.

[Bo]

20-some years ago, I had a thermal copier/fax machine at home. It was dreadful. The copies fade to useless after a couple of years. They're useless immediately if you store them in a hot car.

Trust me. You do not want this!

If you want to see for yourself, try leaving a thermal printed store receipt on the dash of your car some sunny summer day.

[clearer_skies_13]

Originally Posted by EscapeCalifornia

I've never seen one. Aside from the expensive special paper, the print fades out after a year or two.

Thanks for your response. You answered my question. Guess I'll have to stick with inkjets until a genius creates something better.

[NJBest]

What do you anticipate printing? Is print speed a concern? Is cost of printing a concern? Do you print a lot?

[EscapeCalifornia]

Originally Posted by clearer_skies_13

Guess I'll have to stick with inkjets until a genius creates something better.

Or......

Originally Posted by EscapeCalifornia

If you want an inexpensive monochrome printer, get a Brother laser.

[harry chickpea]

I remember the early 40 column thermal printers used with the Commodore computers. Oi! Thermal faxes were almost as bad. The one thing that thermal receipt printers have going for them is speed. Star makes some that are amazingly fast.

[Pruzhany]

Originally Posted by clearer_skies_13

So there's no desktop thermal printers that you can hook up to a computer and just print out letters or random things?

Found one currently in production:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=808227&is=REG&Q=&A=details

Paper
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...G&Q=&A=details