Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I got this product to replace my current Brother P-Touch Labeler, because I wanted something that I could create laminated labels with, but also be able to make them a bit snazzier than my current labeler allows. This product fits the bill, and then some!
With this label maker, you can hook it up to any PC, and print laminated labels. Let me make this clear though---you have to have a computer to hook the labeler up to, or it will not work. Hooking up the label maker is very easy, you simply use the USB cord that comes in the box and hook it up to the USB port on your computer. Once hooked up, and powered on, a built in software called "P-Touch Editor Lite" automatically comes up. It is very user friendly, and allows you to create your labels from your computer, and print them without having to install any additional software. The great thing about this, is that with this label maker you have access to a wide range of fonts, clip arts, and editing that you do not have on a regular label maker. But, the best feature of using a computer to generate your labels, is that you get to see what the labels are actually going to look like BEFORE you print them! At last no more wasted TZ tape!
Now, if you want to take your label making up another level you can install the additional software from the CD-ROM that comes with the labeler. Installing this software is totally optional, and not necessary, but just provides some additional features that the built in software does not have. This is where things got a little tricky for me, and why I would give this product 4.5 stars if I could. Installing the software was not as easy as I expected it to be. But I am going to tell you what I did wrong so you won't make the same mistakes that I did!
The CD-ROM contains two applications that need to be installed--the editing software, and a driver for this editing software. After the editing software is installed, the CD-ROM will attempt to install the driver. This is where I got stuck--the driver would not install. But after browsing through the numerous pamphlets/manuals that come with this product I was able to figure out what I was doing wrong--but I wasted at least a half an hour trying to figure this out. Here is what you need to know: 1. Make sure you do not have the label maker plugged in to your computer or turned on--wait until the installation software asks you to do so. 2. Make sure that the "mode switch" on the bottom of the machine is turned to the "E" position.
As long as you follow those two bits of advice the driver will install properly, and you can be on your way to creating all kinds of labels. The reason I would take off half a star is because I wasted to much time trying to figure out what I was doing wrong--- there should be a label on the CD-ROM envelope that says "WHEN INSTALLING SOFTWARE SWITCH MODE TO 'E' & DO NOT PLUG IN/TURN ON MACHINE UNTIL ASKED". That would have saved me so much time!
With that being said, once I got the software installed (and as I mentioned earlier, the software is optional....it is just more advanced than the software that is already built into the labeler), I was very impressed. You can really do a lot with it--there are even two modes, "Express" and "Professional". There are just as many, and maybe even more, fonts as Microsoft Word, as well as many different symbols/clip arts/ frames that you can insert. You can also install add-ins for Microsoft Word/Excel/Outlook that allow you to print your laminated labels from there. You can also insert photos that you have stored on your computer into the label! I especially love the ruler, which shows you precisely how long your label is going to be, so that you know how much tape you are using. There is also a neat feature called "Snap" which allows you to take screen clippings from your computer, and insert them into your label.
The label quality is excellent, and just what you would expect from Brother. As far as I can tell, this label maker accepts any type of labels that Brother makes (and they make A LOT of different kinds!)--even the 1" width labels. Fonts, and other symbols, etc, come out very clear. I inserted some photos and screen clippings to see how they would turn out, and they came out well---a bit grainy, but I was taking a large photo and fitting it onto a ½" label, so I did not expect that it would be the best quality. You can also have multiple lines of text, arrange the text direction, and do many other things with the installed software--you can even make barcodes! Other notable features--the product is actually more compact than I expected it to be from the picture, a clear window for viewing what type of tape that you have in the machine, accepts batteries AND has an AC adapter so you can plug it in ( a big plus!),is Energy Star rated, and seems to be made out of durable materials.
There is not much room for improvement with this labeler, but I would have a few minor suggestions for the manufacturer. First, I wish this product came with more than just one "sample" size TZ tape. It would be nice if there were more TZ tapes included and even possibly in various sizes or colors. Second, although this product is quite small, the portability of this product would be improved by adding a handle. Lastly---it would be nice if the labeler came with some type of pouch to store the label maker in, along with its AC adapter and USB Cord.
Otherwise though, great product for making quality, personalized, laminated labels! Definitely several steps up from what I had been using!
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Brother PC-Connectable Label Maker with Auto Cutter (PT-2430PC)The Brother P-Touch PT-2430PC PC-Connectable Label Printer with auto cutter features a simple plug-in design to make it easier than ever to print labels without the need to download any software. This compact, PC-compatible label printer has all of the required software built right in, which makes it a breeze to print labels from any PC quickly and easily.
Create Professional-looking Labels Quickly It's never been easier to print high-quality labels and barcodes than it is with the Brother PT-2430PC. The P-touch Editor Lite software is built directly into the printer, so there's no software to install on your computer. Print graphics and text exactly how it appears on your monitor, and the PT-2430PC supports all True Type/Scalable fonts available on your PC.
The printer is compatible with six different label widths up to one-inch wide, and it accepts TZ laminated tape for both indoor and outdoor applications. The built-in automatic cutter makes it easy to get perfect cuts each and every time.
Simple Installation Installing the Brother PT-2430PC label printer is as simple as connecting the included USB cable to any Windows-based computer. The printer also requires 6 AAA batteries or the included AD-24ES adapter.
Easy Label Printing On-the-GO Because of the PT-2430PC's compact stature and built-in software, it makes it easier than ever to print while on-the-go from anywhere there's access to a Windows-based computer. Keep sensitive prints secure while traveling since no software is left behind on the computer.
Upgradeable Software for Added Functionality For added features and functionality, you can install the included full version P-touch Editor software and enjoy seamless integration with your PT-2430PC label printer. This added functionality allows for easy barcoding and database printing.
The Brother PT-2430PC label printer is compatible with Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Vista. It measures 2.6 x 7.4 x 4.4 inches (WxDxH) and weighs 1.4 pounds (without batteries). It's backed by a 1-year limited warranty and replacement service.
What's in the Box Brother PT-2430PC label printer, 1/2 inch (12mm) x 16 foot (5m) black on white laminated TZ starter tape, user's manual, AC adapter (AD-24ES), USB cable, CD ROM: P-Touch Editor software and drivers, and Software Installation Guide.
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