text: what is the difference between dot matrix, laser, and inkjet printers?   the difference is in the way they transfer ink onto paper. 1. dot matrix: these are an older generation of printers and function in a way similar to a manual typewriter. the printer has a head with many fine pins and these can be arranged to form characters. the head then strikes an inked ribbon onto the print media. 2. inkjet: these are quite common now. they are cheaper than lasers but the running costs are higher. they use liquid ink stored in cartridges or ink tanks. through digital and electronic means, ink is squirted onto the paper by the printer head. 3. laser: a laser printer uses ink in powdered form, usually stored in a toner cartridge. the printer heats/magnetizes the media areas that need to be printed and then the toner powder is attached to the paper.