Advantages and Disadvantages of Input and Output Devices

Advantages:

• They use a simple, old fashioned technology with little that can go wrong.
• People feel comfortable using them.
• They are easy to use.
• They are cheap to purchase.

Disadvantages:

• Keyboards are slow compared with some more automated input devices such as bar code readers.
• It can be hard to learn to type quickly.

Advantages:

• Number of symbols can be restricted so it is easier to use.
• Quick to input data.
• Good to use in places like takeaways to input an order quickly and easily.

Disadvantages:

• A restricted number of symbols can also be a disadvantage because it makes it difficult to produce any input outside a very limited group of inputs.

Advantages:

• They provide a fast method of input.
• They are intuitive to use because they involve pointing at things.
• They are cheap to buy.

Disadvantages:

• Mice can be easily damaged or vandalised.
• Some people, particularly if they have a physical disability, can find them difficult to use.
• Mice need a flat surface to be moved around on.

Advantages:

• Integrated into a laptop for easier transport.

Disadvantages:

• Touchpads can be very small compared to the size of the computer screen.
• Some peopel find them harder to use than mice.

Advantages:

• A trackerball is stationery and does not need a surface to be moved around on.
• It can be built into a machine like an information system and is nor likely to get damaged as easily as a mouse.
• It can also be used by disabled people who may not have the freedom of movement necessary to use other pointing devices.

Disadvantages:

• Can be difficult to use for some applications needing fine control.

Advantages:

• Joysticks are used to play many games because they give the user the impression of being in control. There is also a direct and immediate result of the player's actions which adds to the enjoyment of the game.
• They are used to control aircraft because of their simplicity in a very complex environment.
• Severely Disabled people can use them to control motorised wheelchairs because they allow the user to give many different commands with very little physical movement.

Disadvantages:

• It is more difficult to control the fine movement of the pointer on the screen than with a mouse.

Advantages:

• They are difficult to vandalise compared with something like a mouse.
• They are largely weatherproof so can be in the open air like a station platform.
• They need no computing knowledge at all to be able to operate them.

Disadvantages:

• Disabled people can find them difficult to use.

Advantages:

• Great level of accuracy.
• Easy to draw and write on the computer.

Disadvantages:

• Not suitable for general use.
• They are usually expensive.

Advantages:

• More Direct.
• Convenient for Applications.

Disadvantages:

• Require specially designed monitor.

Advantages:

• Accurate and can produce high quality images.
• All images can be scanner and enhanced with a graphics app.

Disadvantages:

• Images take up too much memory
• Images can lose quality when being scanned.

Advantages:

• No film required.
• Images can be viewed on the camera
• Images can be deleted on the camera
• Images can be edited on the camera

Disadvantages:

• More expensive
• Images must be downloaded from the camera onto a computer

Advantages:

• Easy to watch real time video
• Stay connected to family members
• Can be left on permanently
• Hold video conferences.

Disadvantages:

• Need to be connected to a computer has they have no memory.
• Usually low quality.

Advantages:

• Input is easier than using a computer.

Disadvantages:

• Sound recognition software through a microphone can be unreliable.

Advantages:

• Simple to use
• Convenient

Disadvantages:

• Advanced models have buttons only.
• Signal can interfere with other equipment.

Advantages:

• Increases the efficiency and effectiveness of work.
• Can quickly convert written text into an electronic and editable version.

Disadvantages:

• It may not convert the data accurately.
• For a more accurate conversion, more expensive software is usually required.

Advantages:

• Efficient way to input data into the computer.

Disadvantages:

• Documents for the OMR are complicated to design.
• The user has to follow the instructions.
• User can only make marks, not write information.

Advantages:

• Documents are difficult to forge.
• Documents can be read.

Disadvantages:

• It is expensive.
• It will only accept authorised characters.

Advantages:

• The information is secure because the chip is difficult to read.
• Efficient way of paying for items without using cash.

Disadvantages:

• People tend to be careless when using their pin.

Advantages:

• Useful and help security problems
• Protect your valuables
• Easily assessable
• Can be used to control things.
• They are more reliable than human beings.
• A human could take inaccurate readings.
• It is not possible for humans to go to some places where readings need to be taken.

Disadvantages:

• They require a power source, if there is a power cut they will stop working and not take required readings.
• They can be easily set off.

Advantages:

• Instant output of data.
• You can see what you are doing on the computer.
• Allows for entertainment (Watch TV and movies etc...)
• Can view the graphical user interface.

Disadvantages:

• Can be expensive.
• Flat screens can be damaged easily.

Advantages:

• LCD designs generate better colour saturation.
• Digital LCD projectors produce better images.
• Can create a cinema like effect.
• Can use television signals as their input.

Disadvantages:

• Require an expensive high power bulb to produce the pictures.
• The bulbs are very fragile, particularly if it is moved whilst it is hot.

Advantages:

• Colour printing is possible.
• Quality of print outs is high
• Most models are relatively light and compact so can be placed on a desk without taking up too much space.

Disadvantages:

• The toner is toxic so the cartridges need to be disposed of carefully.
• The first copy takes time to print, but the rest are a lot quicker.
• Laser printers are normally more expensive to buy than inkjets but they are cheaper in the long run. 

Advantages:

• They print at a high quality.
• They are cheap to buy making them affordable for family home use.
• A page can be produced very quickly making them good for home use.
• They are often light and relatively small.

Disadvantages:

• They often use water-soluble ink, so if printouts get wet, the ink will run.
• If a lot of copies are needed, they are often slow.

Advantages:

• They are robust and less likely to go wrong in dirty environments.
• They are cheap and easily available in the market.
• They use paper continuously instead of a frequent change in paper.

Disadvantages:

• They can be very noisy.
• Printing quality isn't great.
• Not all can print in colour.

Advantages:

• They are sometimes built into a laptop or monitor.
• They are simple to operate.
• Can be used to help a blind person operate a computer.
• Can be used  to alert the computers user.

Disadvantages:

• Can distract people around you.
• High quality speakers are normally quite expensive.