Computer based ekgs are extremely popular these days. How it works it you load the software on your Windows computer. The EKG cable plugs in to the USB port (some brands have wireless patient cables). Your computer would essentially become the EKG machine. This is advantageous for a few reasons:

1) Much more EMR friendly. Saving the PDFs and uploading them into the patient's chart would be a couple clicks of the mouse.

2) Much more reliable. Less moving parts (especially the printer) to break.

3) No need for thermal ekg printer paper. You can be paperless or print straight to a laserjet on plain copy paper.

4) Less upfront cost than a standalone machine and you would be getting brand new products.