A Printer That Just Prints Labels? YES! And it does it well!
Written: Jul 20 '03 (Updated Aug 02 '03)
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Pros: Larger Labels including Shipping and Name Badges; Instant Printing!
Cons: Will fade over time if exposed to heat or sunlight.
The Bottom Line: It’s a specialty printer with many features--use it once and you'll find so many other ways to enjoy it.
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| briandalsmom's Full Review: Seiko Smart Label 200 Printer |
Im changing jobs, with it comes all new equipment, so before I forget, Im going to quickly review all the old stuff. In my position in the IT department of the City I worked for, I had the job of helping departments find the right IT solution for their needs. They didnt always listen to us, but for the most part, we were able to come up with a solution in the budget range they were looking for.
One of the most-often requested items was a printer to dedicated to printing labels. Now you and I know that you dont need a specialty printer for thisa case of Avery Labels, the Avery Wizard for Windows, and a little know-how and youve got label! Problem is, there wasnt the know-how nor the desire to learn, so we had to come up with a better solution.
Thats when we arrived at the Seiko Label printers. There are three versions that weve purchasedthe 100 (heres my review on the 100 ), 200, and 240 (the 240 review). They all basically do the same thing; the differences are in the connectivity and label size. This review is for the 200. (Thinking about buying a Dymo 330? Don't until you read this http://www.epinions.com/content_108021386884).
WHAT DOES IT DO?
It sits very quietly on your desk, doing nothing, until the moment you need a label. Open the software, select the type of label from the graphic chart, type the label (or copy from another sourcemore on that in a minute), press print, and in a second (literally) youll have a beautiful label waiting for you! Simple, huh!
HOW IT DOES IT
Its a direct thermal printer which means it doesnt need any inkno cartridge, no ribbon, nothing. I works the same as a cash register receipt. It connects via USB (faster) or Serial (whichever your computer has available) and can be networked with a LAN. Thats one of the reasons this version is more expensive than the 100, but it does allow everyone you designate on your network to have access to it. We currently have this one running in Finance and they do give it a good work out.
SET-UP
So simple anyone can do it! Follow the super-simple instructions for your operating system, connect it as you choose, plug it in, and follow the on-screen directions. You can literally be printing labels in 5 minutes.
They do specify that the printer should be in a location thats not subject to vibration or direct sunlight (you wouldnt want to ruin your labels!). Be aware that heat and sunlight will fade your labels over time. Since most labels are filed in dark drawers, it isnt a problem, but its something you should know.
SOFTWAREITS TIME TO UPGRADE IT!
My only complaint is the software. Called Smart Label, its just not robust enough for me. For most users its fine, in fact, we have some that complain its too difficult. For them weve taught them how to use a template and they know how to print one label, with one font, in one size, and theyre happy. For the rest of us, there are many sizes and fonts to choose from.
Its a WYSIWYG editor and uses SmartCapture and SmartCopy which allows you to copy and paste information from other sources such as Word and Outlook. Its really just a copy and paste, no additional software opens so Im not sure exactly what these two software pieces are doing in the background. You can enter logos and graphics as well, but youll need to know about file paths to do so. This isnt a graphics program that lets you search and select, you have to have the graphics already on your hard drive and know the path. Needless to say, only the power users use this option.
There is an online help feature that Ive not needed and one that I cant convince users to visit. What I do most often is set up custom templates for them that they use repeatedly.
WHAT YOU CAN PRINT
Tons of labels are available: mailing, file folders, nametags, disks, rotary files, videocassette, binders, storage, notebooks, shelves, etc. Use your imagination and you can find a label that will fit your need.
The resolution is 203 dpi. The maximum print area on the 200 is 1.89 inches x 2.28 inches (larger than the 100 which can only do standard mailing label sizes). The print speed is phenomenal 8 seconds for a standard label and up to 10 seconds for one with a logo. Amazingly fast if you ask me! The 240 is faster still, at 3 seconds for a logo!
Its small, only 4.49 w x 7.48 d x 6.61 h and weighs just 1.14 pounds. Terribly small but able to print an amazing amount of labels in a short time and without tying up the main office printer.
There is an indicator light that lets you know the statusfrom steady green (ready) to blinking red (temperature error); youll always know the status of your printer.
FEEDING THE MONSTER
Youll find this is popular with your usersso much so that we fill it often. To avoid breaking it (as we did our 100 model), the first label I printed was one with instructions on how to remove the printed label, and how to load new ones. Most people grab the label like its a receiptthey grab it, give it a good tug, and rip it out. WRONG! The labels are perforated and take a simple twisting motion to remove thempulling on them strips the feeder inside. To change labels press the button on the top of the machine twice and the label backs itself out a half-sheet at a time. Youll need to do this twice to free it.
Once out, put in the new roll, take the lead label and place it gently in the slot on the backthe machine senses the label and loads it. If you have the label guides in place the label will load perfectly. Forget, and it will load crooked. Easy enough to fix, back it out (as I mentioned above), move the guides in to the new size of labels, and reload.
CONSUMABLES
Labels are your only product and theyre available everywhere. Weve always used Seiko labels as using non-Seiko labels nulls the warranty. Its up to you to decide if off-brands are worth it to you.
Heres an example of current prices:
Seiko Standard Address Labels for all Smart Label Printers (130/Roll 2 Rolls/Box) $12.88 for 260 labels
DYMO VHS Spine Labels for Dymo-Seiko Label Printer (White) (75/Roll 2-Rolls) $8.95 for 150 labels
Seiko 4 X 1.125IN Shipping Labels for Smart Label Printer Pro (White) $17.95 for 220 labels
WHATS IN THE BOX
Smart Label Printer
Smart Label Software (on CD-Rom)
Serial Cable
USB Cable
AC Adapter
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
IBM PC or compatible running Windows 95, 98, ME, XP, NT 4.0 or Windows 2000
CD-ROM drive
10MB available hard disk space
USB or RS-232 (serial) port
Windows 98 or 2000 required for USB connectivity
FINAL THOUGHTS
Specialty printers? Who needs them? I DO! I admit itI have one of these on my desk right now and the new job Ill be buying a new one (although Ive found another vendorI may replace it with a Brothermore later). I use this throughout the day for file folder labels, name tags (Hi Im), and miscellaneous labels giving instructions or information. I cant live without this printer! So much faster than doing the Word bit, running back to put special stock in the printer before someone else hits print and uses my expensive labels to print their timesheet--you've been there, it's maddening! Enjoy a little peace in the office from now on.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 179.00 Operating System: Windows
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Epinions.com ID: briandalsmom
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Member: Mom
Location: USA
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