Output Devices (Cambridge International IGCSE ICT)
Exam board Cambridge International · IGCSEUpdated 2024-06-03
Spec point —
2.3.1
Output Devices
What is an output device?
- Output devices are hardware components that receive information from a computer system and present it to the user in a comprehensible form
- They enable the computer to communicate the results of processed data or commands
Types of output devices
| Output device | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Monitor (CRT) | - Large viewing angles - Can be used with light pens | - Run hot - Heavy - Consume more power (than other monitor types) |
| Monitor (LCD) | - Low power - Lightweight - No flickering - No image burn-in | - Motion blur/ghosting - Colour & contrast variable from different viewing angles |
| Monitor (LED) | - No motion blur/ghosting - Low power - Long life | - More expensive (than LCD) - Contrast can be poor |
| Touch screen (Output) | - Intuitive - Space-saving | - Susceptible to smudge - Potential calibration issues |
| Multimedia projector (Output computer usually to much larger display) | - Large display - Good for presentations - Space saving | - Requires darkened room - Expensive bulbs - Need separate audio - Quality is variable |
| Laser printer (Dry ink) | - Fast - High-quality prints - Lower cost per page | - Expensive initial cost - Limited to flat surfaces |
| Inkjet printer (Four/five wet inks) | - Lower initial cost - High-quality prints - Ink can be refilled | - Slower - Higher cost per page - Ink may smudge |
| Dot matrix printer (Inked ribbon) | - Low cost - Can print multi-part forms - Very good for long print runs | - Noisy - Low print quality - Slow |
| Plotters (Drawing & blueprints) | - High accuracy - Can print on various materials - Inexpensive to run | - Slow - Expensive to buy - Large size |
| 3D printer | - Customisable designs - Rapid prototyping - Medical benefits | - Limited materials - Slow process - Counterfeit items easier to produce - Very expensive |
| Speakers | - Range of sizes and power outputs - Immersive audio - Helps people with disabilities | - Expensive for higher quality output - Varying sound quality |
| Actuators (Control motors, pumps, switches etc.) | - Precise movement - Programmable - Allow automatic control of many devices | - Requires power - Potential mechanical wear - Requires DAC interface |
Worked Example Complete the following sentences using the most appropriate items from the list below.
A 3D printer An ADC A compiler An interpreter A microphone A monitor A numeric keypad A speaker A switch A USB a. ________ is a device used to input a pin
[1]
Final answer: A numeric keypad [1]
b. ________ analyses and executes a program line by line
[1]
Final answer: An interpreter [1]
c. ________ produces output in the form of solid objects
[1]
Final answer: A 3D printer [1]
d. ________ produces output in the form of sound
[1]
Final answer: A speaker [1]
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