The focus of this category is on computer peripherals, which are, essentially, anything that connects to the computer.
This may include output devices such as monitors, printers, headphones, or speakers, or input devices like scanners, game devices, webcams, keyboards, trackpads, and mice.
Keyboards, trackpads, and mice are also considered hardware components because they are essential to the operation of most computers, and they are built in to laptops, notebooks, and netbooks. Of course, monitors are built into laptops, notebooks, netbooks, and several models of desktop computers, such as the Apple iMac and several PCs, as was the case in many early computer models.
Computer peripherals also include external hard drives, USB drives, flash drives, DVD players, and other devices that connect to the computer but are not built into it.
For the most part, if it is built into the computer then it's a hardware component, while devices that attach to the computer are peripheral components. These components connect to the computer using a variety of connectors and cables, which might include a printer connected via USB or a monitor or projector connected to the computer through HDMI. Let's look at some of them.
Printers, of course, are peripheral devices used to produce a representation of graphics or text, usually on paper. The types of modern printers include toner-based (laser) printers, liquid inkjet printers, solid ink printers, dye-sublimation printers, and thermal printers. Inkjet printers are the type most commonly used by consumers.
Although impact printers are still available, they are not as often used today. These printers rely on a forcible impact to transfer ink to the paper, and include various typewriter-derived printers, teletypewriter-based printers, daisy wheel printers, and dot-matrix printers. In the 1970s and 1980s, dot-matric printers were the most common type of consumer printer available, and some people would be surprised to know that they are still produced today, although they enjoy a minuscule segment of the market.
Other types of printers target special-purpose printing technologies.
A computer mouse is a handheld device that is used to manipulate objects on a computer screen. Some use a laser, while others use a ball, and they may be wired or wireless. Although a mouse is a peripheral device that resides outside of the computer housing, it is often considered a hardware component because it is essential for most computer operations, with the exception of those that use touchscreens.
A trackpad, or touchpad, is an input device that takes the place of a mouse and is built into laptop and notebook computers. A trackpad can also be an option in desktop computers. For example, because I use both a MacBook Pro and an iMac, I have opted to use an external trackpad with my iMac rather than a mouse, because that is what is built into the MacBook Pro.
A computer keyboard is a primary input device. Modeled on the electric typewriter, a keyboard includes buttons that create letters, numbers, and symbols, as well as performing various computer functions. Most keyboards use the familiar QWERTY layout, but other options are available. Keyboards are built into laptops and notebook computers, and were commonly built into many early models of desktops.
While a computer can operate without a monitor, a user wouldn't be able to see what he was doing without a monitor, so a monitor is necessary for all but automated processes. A monitor displays the video and graphics information generated by the computer connected to it through the computer's video card. Monitors are similar to televisions but they generally display information at a higher resolution.
Early monitors were CRT monitors, which are deep in size and look much like old-fashioned TV sets. Most modern monitors are LCD, which are thinner, use less energy, and provide better graphics quality. The OLED monitor is an improvement on the LCD, requiring more power but providing better color. As they are much more expensive, they are not often used in the consumer market.
Monitors are built into laptop computers and into some desktop models, while most desktop models require a monitor, which is often sold separately. Additionally, many users opt to connect a second or even a third monitor to their computer. Most monitors are output devices because they serve only for outputting information to the screen, but some monitors are touch screens as well, which would make them input/output devices. Many monitors have integrated accessories, such as a microphone, camera, speakers, and a USB hub.
There are several other peripheral devices, such as game devices and other speciality devices, any of which are appropriate for this category. Retail sites should be submitted to the appropriate Shopping & eCommerce category, however.
Recommended Resources
Headquartered in Colorado, CIT is a subsidiary of Global Infrastructure Solutions, focused on providing electronic products such as rack mount monitors, KVM switches, rack mount LCD panels, racks and PDUs, LCD drawers, keyboard drawers, and other products for audio-visual, IT, and security applications, including its flagship Rackmount product line, which is highlighted here, and made available for online purchase, along with its guarantee, and an informational blog.
https://www.rackmountsales.com/
Established as Hakui Electronic Corporation in 1968, Eizo originally manufactured televisions, becoming Nanao Corporation in 1973, taking its current name in 1990. In 1976, the company began building industrial monitors, and PC monitors in 1981. Currently, its chief products are high-end computer displays, which are included FdlexScan, ColorEdge, CuratOR, RadiForce, DuraVision, and Raptor/Re-Vue, each of which is featured here, with specifications and support options.
https://www.eizo.com/
Created in 2001, the company provides a variety of cameras, lenses, components, accessories, and digital photo applications based on free and open-source designs, licensed under the GNU General Public License or the CERN Open Hardware License. Its products are highlighted on the site, including features, descriptions, requirements, and price lists. Other resources include source listings, user documentation, and development notes, as well as an overview of the company.
https://www3.elphel.com/
Originally established as Daiwa Kogyo Limited in 1942, the Japanese electronics company became Epson Corporation in 1982 when it launched the world’s first handheld computer, and became Seiko Epson Corporation in 1985 after a merger. Known for its line of computer printers, Epson manufactures a wide range of electronic products, including proofing systems. Its home and work printers, scanners, projectors, and other products are highlighted, along with support options.
https://epson.com/
Genistar is a Canada-based North American distributor for Prodways, a 3D printer manufacturer. Its products include two versions of its MOVINGLight DLP 3D printer ProMaker, its P series of plastic laser sintering 3D printers, and its Photocentric Liquid Crystal Magna 3D printer, each of which is highlighted here, with downloadable brochures and information about materials and applications. Its service contracts are featured, and an industry blog is included.
http://www.genistar.com/
Founded in 1984, Lenovo is a Chinese technology company involved in the design, development, manufacture, and sale of personal and tablet computers, smartphones, and other products, including computer monitors. Its line of monitors is highlighted here and prospective customers can choose two or more of its monitors in order to view side-by-side comparisons, along with other details and specifications, including prices and the ability to make a purchase online.
https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/d/accessories-and-monitors/monitors
Formed as DEW International in 1988, and soon renamed Linksys, the American company, now a subsidiary of Belkin produces and sells data networking hardware products to home users and small businesses. Its products include wired and wireless routers, Ethernet switches, VoIP equipment, wireless Internet video cameras, audio-visual products, and network storage devices, which are featured here, along with a directory of retailers, and online store, and support options.
https://www.linksys.com/us/
Founded as Radix Microsystems, Radisys is an Oregon technology company specializing in telecommunications products, particularly mobile network applications like small cell radio access networks, wireless core network elements, deep packet inspection, and policy management equipment. Among its core products are MobilityEngine, Engage@Work, and Engage Media Server. Its products, services, and support options are highlighted, along with partnerships.
https://www.radisys.com/
Established in 1985, Raritan is a technology company that manufactures hardware for data center power distribution, remote server management, and audio-visual products. Headquartered in New Jersey, the company has offices in more than seventy-five countries. Best known for its KVM switches, the company also produces a variety of other products, which are highlighted here, along with catalogs, brochures, case studies, white papers, and promotional offers.
https://www.raritan.com/
In business since 2003, the company offers tools for the composition of artistic laser shows, including beam shows, where laser beams are made visible in the air using fog, as well as graphic laser shows that use lasers to project images onto a screen, of any size. Its hardware includes RayComposer NET, RayComposer USB, and RayComposer DMX Breakout, and its software includes an animation editor (RayComposer Laser Show), Timeline Editor, and DMX Lighting Console.
http://www.raycomposer.de/en/
Located in North Carolina, VarTech manufactures rugged display monitors and panel PCs for use in harsh work environments, producing industrial-grade monitors with screen sizes ranging from 6.5” to 43”, with rugged features and options suitable to any environment and application. Its DiamondVue, All-Weather, and ToughStation monitors are highlighted, including standard available features, technical specifications, and option packages that are put forth, along with support programs.
https://vartechsystems.com/
Xerox Multifunction Laser Printers /All-inOne Laser Printers
Xerox Holdings Corporation is a global corporation, based in the United States, that sells print and digital document products and services. Its line of multifunction and all-in-one laser printers include easy-to-use interfaces, reliable paper handling, and various tools for security and cost control, including WiFi connectivity, mobile printing, touchscreens, and cloud-connected applications. Its products may be sorted by price or print speed, and purchases may be made online.
https://www.office.xerox.com/en-us/multifunction-printers
