What type of device produces permanent readable hard copies?

A printer is the device that produces permanent readable hard copies of digital documents or images. Printers work by transferring ink onto paper or other media, creating a physical, tangible version of the content displayed on a computer screen. This process allows users to create documents such as reports, photographs, and presentations in a format that can be easily shared, filed, or distributed.

In contrast, a scanner captures physical documents and converts them into digital format, serving the opposite function of a printer. A monitor displays digital content visually but does not produce a permanent record; it only shows information temporarily. A speaker outputs sound and does not relate to creating hard copies at all. Thus, the defining characteristic of a printer is its ability to generate permanent readable outputs, making it the correct choice in this context.