What is a dot-matrix printer known for?

A dot-matrix printer is known for using small pins to strike an inked ribbon, which creates text and images by forming a pattern of dots on the paper. This mechanism is fundamental to its operation; the pins move back and forth, creating dots in a matrix format to produce characters and graphics. This technology has been widely used for its ability to print on multi-part forms, such as invoices or shipping documents, where multiple copies of the same document are needed at once.

In contrast, the other options describe characteristics that are not typical of dot-matrix printers. High-resolution prints are usually associated with inkjet or laser printers, which provide more detail and smoother images. Dot-matrix printers are relatively noisy due to their mechanical operation, as sound is created when the pins strike the ribbon. Lastly, the notion of printing in color without ink does not pertain to how dot-matrix printers function, as they require an inked ribbon to produce prints. Thus, the correct characterization of a dot-matrix printer is its mechanism of using pins to strike an inked ribbon.