Brother®P-touch® PT-1230PC PC Connectable Label Maker

Comments about Brother®P-touch® PT-1230PC PC Connectable Label Maker:

If you're looking for a simple and reliable "specialty" label printing solution I can highly recommend the PT-1230PC. Setup couldn't be easier. Simply install 6 AAA batteries (not included), snap in the included tape cassette, close the lid and connect to an available USB port (cable is supplied). When you press the Power button (located on the top of the printer), the built-in printing software automatically launches and the unit is ready to use. Next, just type your text in the box and click the Print button. The manual cutter button works very well. If desired, you can easily edit the font (and it's various attributes), add boxes, insert images, change orientation (landscape, portrait, direction of text) and other details before printing. You can also save labels that you might want to reprint in the future. Brother offers an "advanced" editor that can be downloaded at no charge however for this type of printing I can't imagine the need for any features beyond those are included in the built-in version. That said, I believe the "advanced" version includes some pre-designed templates for users who want to add a more artistic touch to their labels.

Changing tape cassettes takes less than half a minute so using different tape sizes and color combinations isn't at all difficult.

Just keep in mind that the tape is rather costly and the maximum label width is 1/2 an inch. This being the case, I recommend using the labels for things like jars, small boxes, bags, file folders, electronic equipment, cables, bar codes, etc., rather than for addressing envelopes, packages and the like.

I noticed the ad stated "AC Adapter Included" however this is incorrect. Some of the more expensive models DO include the adapter however for occasional use I expect the AAA batteries will last for quite a long time and it's one less "wall-wort" sucking up electricity 24 hours a day. In any case, the printer will launch a "Continue" box after a few minutes of inactivity. If you don't select this, the unit turns itself off to save batteries.

So all things considered, if you can afford the somewhat costly "TZ Series" label refills this unit is well suited for home and small/home office use.

Comments about Brother®P-touch® PT-1230PC PC Connectable Label Maker:

The description states that the AC adapter is included. Note that the AC Adapter is NOT included.

The product works great and is very easy to use. Since the software is in the unit, anyone can plug it in and go make labels without any necessary software installs that get left behind after you unplug the unit.

Comments about Brother®P-touch® PT-1230PC PC Connectable Label Maker:

Must for Business Owner. Machine is outstanding. All tapes are expensive. Heavy mark up on Tapes.,Price of Tape should be $10, Currently about $18 to $22 for 26 ft. It is same with all other brands

Comments about Brother®P-touch® PT-1230PC PC Connectable Label Maker:

I printed one label after start up. Then tried to install the update for vertical printing and now I get a blinking light on the printer. I called support Monday, they call back today (Thursday) and said they would send me a file by e-mail to correct the problem. At this time I am waiting for their e-mail. This is the second Label Printer that did the same thing as I installed the Firmware.

Comments about Brother®P-touch® PT-1230PC PC Connectable Label Maker:

Nice little labeler if you want something to sit on your desk. This is not a "carry with you" labeler - it's treated like another printer to your PC. VERY easy to install and use (Windows XP). Real plug-n-play. Great quality labels quickly. Can save labels to print out later. Biggest con: wastes 3/4" tape per label. Printing doesn't start until the machine has dispensesd about 3/4" of tape. That waste can add up. But if you will be an occasional user such as myself, it's not that big a deal. Very nice for the price.

Comments about Brother®P-touch® PT-1230PC PC Connectable Label Maker:

The resolution, according to their docs, is only 180 dpi. It took a LOT of digging thru Staples' web site to find this spec after I bought and tested the product, and it's not on the packaging. This poor, blocky, low resolution really gave me a shock since we're all used to 1,200 dpi on laser and ink jet printers. Grumble. The nicely curved, sample tape images on the package are BOGUS. But for [$] on special, it beats a manual-entry tape printer.