Brother® P-touch® PT-1290 Label Maker

Nothing special, but it gets the job don

I've had this device for about a week now, and am labeling storage boxes, drawers, files, and electronic equipment. This device gets the job done, and it was cheaper and less ugly ...Read complete review

I've had this device for about a week now, and am labeling storage boxes, drawers, files, and electronic equipment. This device gets the job done, and it was cheaper and less ugly looking than most of the other options from Brother and other brands.

However, the label print quality looks dated. Older models of P-Touch used to have smooth type, but this one has jagged edges that look like computer type from 1990. It would seem this is an "improvement" across the entire P-Touch line, unfortunately. Additionally, there are several included templates that put such graphics as hearts and goofy borders or shapes around your label. In short, they're hideous. I don't know why Brother thinks they should be included, and I don't know why anyone would use them. You can choose from three type sizes, and even stack type on two lines -- though the medium size looks best, and stacked type is only left-justified. As I see it, this device only has one style that is worth using, and that's good enough.

Bottom line: It prints acceptable looking labels. The labels are better and more professional than labeling using handwriting, and it's easier than messing with an Avery label and template on the computer to get higher quality type. It gets the job done, and because this model was cheap, it made it an acceptable purchase.

I'd buy it again, and I'd recommend it to someone who needs a basic label maker.