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 |
I’m changing jobs, with it comes all new equipment, so before I forget, I’m 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 didn’t 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 don’t need a specialty printer for this—a case of Avery Labels, the Avery Wizard for Windows, and a little know-how and you’ve got label! Problem is, there wasn’t the know-how nor the desire to learn, so we had to come up with a better solution.
That’s when we arrived at the Seiko Label printers. There are three versions that we’ve purchased—the 100 (here’s 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 source—more on that in a minute), press print, and in a second (literally) you’ll have a beautiful label waiting for you! Simple, huh!
HOW IT DOES IT
It’s a direct thermal printer which means it doesn’t need any ink—no 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. That’s 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 that’s not subject to vibration or direct sunlight (you wouldn’t 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 isn’t a problem, but it’s something you should know.
SOFTWARE—IT’S TIME TO UPGRADE IT!
My only complaint is the software. Called Smart Label, it’s just not robust enough for me. For most users it’s fine, in fact, we have some that complain it’s too difficult. For them we’ve taught them how to use a template and they know how to print one label, with one font, in one size, and they’re happy. For the rest of us, there are many sizes and fonts to choose from.
It’s a WYSIWYG editor and uses SmartCapture™ and SmartCopy™ which allows you to copy and paste information from other sources such as Word and Outlook. It’s really just a copy and paste, no additional software opens so I’m not sure exactly what these two software pieces are doing in the background. You can enter logos and graphics as well, but you’ll need to know about file paths to do so. This isn’t 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 I’ve not needed and one that I can’t 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!
It’s 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 status—from steady green (ready) to blinking red (temperature error); you’ll always know the status of your printer.
FEEDING THE MONSTER
You’ll find this is popular with your users—so 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 it’s a receipt—they grab it, give it a good tug, and rip it out. WRONG! The labels are perforated and take a simple twisting motion to remove them—pulling 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. You’ll 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 back—the 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 they’re available everywhere. We’ve always used Seiko labels as using non-Seiko labels nulls the warranty. It’s up to you to decide if off-brands are worth it to you.
Here’s 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) $17.95 for 220 labels
WHAT’S IN THE BOX
• Smart Label Printer
• Smart Label Software (on CD-Rom)
• Serial Cable
• USB Cable
• AC Adapter
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
• IBM PC or compatible running Windows 95, 98, ME, XP, NT 4.0 or Windows 2000
• CD-ROM drive
• 10MB available hard disk space
• USB or RS-232 (serial) port
• Windows 98 or 2000 required for USB connectivity
FINAL THOUGHTS
Specialty printers? Who needs them? I DO! I admit it—I have one of these on my desk right now and the new job I’ll be buying a new one (although I’ve found another vendor—I may replace it with a Brother—more later). I use this throughout the day for file folder labels, name tags (“Hi I’m”), and miscellaneous labels giving instructions or information. I can’t live without this printer! So much faster than doing the Word bit, running back to put special stock in the printer before someone else hits print and uses my expensive labels to print their timesheet--you've been there, it's maddening! Enjoy a little peace in the office from now on.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 179.00
Operating System: Windows
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briandalsmom
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