The speed of an ink-jet printer is measured by the number of _______ it can print.
a. lines per page (lpp)
b. dots per inch (dpi)
c. characters per second (cps)
d. pages per minute (ppm)
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is: d. pages per minute (ppm).
Explanation:
The speed of an ink-jet printer is primarily measured in pages per minute (ppm), which indicates how many pages the printer can produce in one minute. This metric is widely used as it provides an easy-to-understand way for consumers to compare the performance of different printers.
Why PPM?
- Practical Measurement:
- Unlike other options, ppm directly reflects the amount of work the printer can complete in a given time. This makes it a practical indicator of performance, especially for tasks like printing large documents or multiple pages.
- Relevance to Users:
- Users typically care about how fast they can get their physical printouts. For instance, in a busy office setting, a higher ppm can significantly boost productivity by reducing waiting times.
- Industry Standard:
- Printer manufacturers often standardize ppm ratings based on specific test conditions, such as printing text documents in draft mode. This standardization helps consumers make informed decisions.
Why Not Other Options?
- Lines per Page (lpp):
- This is a measure of text formatting or layout, not speed. It defines how many lines of text fit on a page but doesn’t reflect printing performance.
- Dots per Inch (dpi):
- DPI measures print quality or resolution, describing how sharp and detailed the printout will be. While important, it does not indicate speed.
- Characters per Second (cps):
- CPS is commonly used for typewriters or certain older printers like dot-matrix printers. It’s not applicable to modern ink-jet printers, which handle full pages rather than individual characters.
In summary, pages per minute (ppm) is the most relevant and universally accepted measure of an ink-jet printer’s speed, providing users with a clear and useful performance benchmark.