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(More customer reviews)I've owned a Brother PC- only labeler for a few years now, but I ended up not using it much after the initial play period. The problem is, if you have to sit down and fire up your PC and the software (no matter how intuitive and sexy), it's just easier to use a pen, or nothing at all for that matter! After I read that David Allen, the author of Getting Things Done, concurred, I looked again for a more "ready when you are" tool. I highly recommend that you check out Brother's website; they have a nifty comparison feature that you can customize per model and feature and produce a PDF at the end - great for your final decision process. For me, size and an auto cutter were the main features I was looking for, and that eventually lead me to this device, the little-reviewed 18R.
This particular unit is 2-3 times smaller in volume than all its brothers (non-intended pun here), thanks to its rechargeable battery. I was resisting this rechargeable business at first, because it implies frequent use (like a cell phone or laptop), but I warmed up to it. The price difference isn't that great (~$20 compared to a slightly lesser unit, the price of 8 good rechargeable AAs actually), plus it turned out that the little beast can go up to six months of occasional use without recharging, which is very impressive in my book. The NiMh cell is custom and labeled "Brother 18R"; hopefully there will be replacements in a couple of years when it finally gives out. I especially like the fact that this unit stores extremely well in addition to it being small: unlike the desktop models which sit flat on your desk and awkwardly occupy a lot of space no matter where you place them, this one actually goes into your library like a book, or upright into a corner of your desk drawer or file folder.
The auto cutter lives up to its name, so much better than manual. It cuts off the tape lead so you don't have to keep scissors around (you may find that funny, but re-cutting labels was standard procedure with my other labeler!). My favorite is the "chain mode". Here, you essentially delay your latest print in favor of a more efficient use of tape material. For example, if you enter "January", "February" and "March" and hit Print every time, the "March" label remains in the unit until you print something else or change your mind and hit the "scissors" button. This should address most people's issues with the wasted tape; it's as good as it gets with this system.
The device is very easy to use: while you type your text, it tells you how long your label is going to be. If you select borders, etc. the graphical display shows you the styles, and if you desire you can hit the preview button to get a WYSIWYG representation before printing. There are also a few "layouts" available, for example fixed-length (for your file folders), or two-line printing with different font sizes on each line (I find these particularly useful to label my Nalgene bottles with the content plus my name underneath). Unfortunately, the chain print mode (see above) doesn't work with those handy layouts; it always cuts off about 1/2" of empty tape. But I can live with it.
My minor gripe with this device is the low-contrast, non-backlit display (hey, since I'm running on rechargeables, I could justify the energy needs of a backlight). Also, the latch that closes the cassette department doesn't seem solid to me: a tiny plastic thing, similar to the one that broke on my other labeler. While I'm whining, I'd also like 360 dpi resolution for that really industrial look, but those printers are currently much more expensive (or PC- only, which to me is now useless).
Still, this is the most useful, feature- rich, and compact labeler that I've ever used, so 4 stars are deserved. Hope it helped in your quest to label those sock drawers :)
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Brother P-Touch PT-18R Rechargeable Labeling SystemBRTPT18RIncredibly versatile rechargeable desktop labeler with handheld convenience delivers on-site labeling and PC connectability. Features easy-swap tape cassettes, quick operation keys, bar code templates and 459-character memory. Two-line, 15-character display and print preview capability offer a chance to check your label before you print. Four fonts, eight type styles and 103 symbols. Prints on TZ laminated tapes. To recharge the battery, simply place the labeler on its cradle. Typewriter-style (QWERTY) keyboard. Compatible with Windows2000, XP, Vista. Includes one 1/2'' TZ black-on-white starter tape, software, charger unit, rechargeable NiMH battery, AC adapter, USB cable and user's guide. Manufacturer's one-year limited warranty. Global Product Type: Label Makers-Handheld/Desktop Dual Operation (Stand Alone/PC Connectable) Thermal Transfer; Label Maker Type: Handheld/Desktop Dual Operation (Stand Alone/PC Connectable) Thermal Transfer; Number of Printed Lines: 5.000; Tape Size: 1/4'' - 3/4''.PRODUCT DETAILS: -Number of Font Styles: 8. -Operating System Compatibility: Windows2000 Professional, Windows98, Windows98SE, WindowsMe, WindowsXP Home. -Number of Printed Lines : 5.000. -Post-Consumer Recycled Content Percent : 0 pct. -Machine Depth : 2 in. -Tape Type: Laminated. -Connectivity: USB. -Pre-Consumer Recycled Content Percent : 0 pct. -Number of Fonts: 4. -Label Maker Type: Handheld/Desktop Dual Operation (Stand Alone/PC Connectable) Thermal Transfer. -Memory: 459 Characters. -Display Type: LCD. -Machine Height : 6 in. -Power Source(s): AC Adapter. -Display Characters x Display Lines: 15 x 2. -Global Product Type: Label Makers-Handheld/Desktop Dual Operation (Stand Alone/PC Connectable) Thermal Transfer. -Tape Size: 1/4'' - 3/4''. -Machine Width : 5 in. -Keyboard Type: Typewriter (QWERTY). -Total Recycled Content Percent : 0 pct. -Number of Font Sizes: 7. Package: Includes label maker, 1/2'' TZ black-on-white starter tape, NiMH rechargeable
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