line printer

line printer
    n 1: printer that serves as an output device on a computer;
         prints a whole line of characters at a time [syn: {line
         printer}, {line-at-a-time printer}]
    

line printer

   <printer> A {printer} that prints one entire line at a time.
   Print quality is low compared with a {laser printer}.  Line
   printers typically use {sprocket feed} and wide fanfold paper.

   Line printer speed is usually measured in lines per minute
   (lpm).  1200 lpm is a good rate for a line printer like a 3205
   m5.  66 lines per page is typical, giving 18 pages per minute
   (ppm).  This assumes all upper case, if a mixed case print
   train is used, throughput is halved.  By comparison, a fast
   {laser printer} can output 100+ ppm

   (1999-01-13)