BrotherPT-2700 Desktop Labeling System (Silver/Black)

The label maker came today. At first I was a bit dismayed because it seemed unless you have Windows Vista (I have Windows ) there was going to be a problem about using this thing with a computer. I called Brothers and got someone right away (that was a surprise as most support services for companies mean a long hold time). The man explained I needed to download 2 things. He sent me 2 e mails with explicate instructions and links. Once these 2 things were downloaded I really thought it would be much more to do. Much to my surprise once this was done I was able to print from the computer immediately. I labeled 32 bottles on our new spice racks perfectly (they were so dim you couldn't read them at all). Now they are labeled beautifully and easy to read. Yes, the others are right that if you print one label at a time you will have a little more than 1/2 of blank tape come out before it prints. Yes it is a waste. But, because I had to lable 32 items I just put them all next to each other and they printed out in one long line without that waste. I guess I could have given it just a 4 star because of that waste, but because I was so thrilled at being able to print in just about any front and size I just couldn't take that extra star away. I also saw the tape that came with it was 1/2", what I needed,and was only a "sample tape". I don't know how much more I have left but I was able to do all 32 spice bottles without a problem. I had only experience with the hold Dyno label maker, one letter at a time and this is a dream compared to it. We are very pleased with this item and need to add it came in great packaging, in perfect shape and extremely fast.

Let me start by saying I'm not OCD, I'm forgetful. I use this to label the network panels and cables, light switches in the guest house and other not-so-necessary things like mail slots.The unit itself is tolerable to use for simple jobs. If you need more than font size and a border, you're better off using the P-Touch software and a computer. The UI is fine once you learn it. I DON'T like having to go find the serial number, though, to download each update. it's a PITA.Label media - what I've learned in the 5 years is that you can use the cheap, non-brother labels for most things that are flat and don't matter much like file folders. If you label antything even slightly round, buy the Brother genuine/flexible labels. The knock-offs will de-laminate in a day or two or just fall off leaqving adhesive residue. The genuine flexible are a year and going on all the cables. Even in the attic. With whatever brand, the labelling is always clear as long as you keep the cover closed and clean.The only issue I've had with the unit is it started to not power on unless it had bateries in it. (It uses 8 AA, which add a lot of weight to carry around) I would wiggle the power wire and it would flash on or off and maybe power up but not stay on.I found the wire right at the wall wart broke in the insulation and stopped delivering the juice. I was able to carefully open the brick, cut off the offending piece and solder the good wire on and it's back to being 100% reliable. I have a lot of soldering and electronics repair experience, just buy a new one if you don't. Don't burn your house down.Would I guy it again? Sure. I'd check out the new models to see what improvements they've made but this one just works (99% of the time) and I'm happy with it - not enough to name it tho. That's just weird.

I do a lot of labeling of equipment at work and I wanted a printer that would allow me a lot of options for making those labels. This unit is just the ticket. With label sizes up to one-inch wide it covers virtually any label I might ever need. I work in the temperature controls industry and once I have installed a control system I am required to label every device. The included software allows me to design the labels on my computer and the usb connection makes printing the labels a snap. I am not limited to the simple text output of lesser labelers as this unit allows me to use many fonts, borders, clip art, symbols, screen captures, time and date, calendar, bar codes, even image files if desired. That is more functionality than I am ever likely to need, but it is nice to know it's there. Admittedly, a wider tape size would help to more fully exploit the usefulness of the image files; still, a small trademark image will fit nicely on a one-inch space. For my labeling needs I am currently using mostly borders and various fonts to make business-like labels that are appropriate in a mechanical room environment. For items inside a building's office spaces I use a more casual font style to convey a bit of a 'friendly' feel to the equipment. These are exactly the reasons I selected this unit rather than a lesser one and I have not regretted that decision in the least. The computer interface is a real plus since it allows me to create the labels in a familiar environment while the keyboard is good for those times when I need a label 'right now' and don't have a computer handy. I didn't order the model that comes with a carry case, but I saved almost forty dollars. All in all an excellent labeler that is serving me well. Now, if only Brother would offer tapes with a red background and white or yellow foreground......! I currently am forced to use the red foreground white background tape as an alternative, but it isn't as good a solution. I really want a lot of red showing when I label an alarm device, something I can only accomplish now by using borders.