Buy the 200 Model--Same Features and only Slightly Slower--Seconds Apart.
Written: Jul 20 '03 (Updated Aug 02 '03)
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Pros: Super fast printer; great quality; built to last with little care
Cons: More money than the 200 model without added features to justify it.
The Bottom Line: Excellent printer but overpriced--buy the 200.
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| briandalsmom's Full Review: Seiko Smart Label 240 Printer |
This is the third in a series of reviews I’m doing for the Seiko Label printers. We have 3 versions—the 100 ( here’s my review on the 100), the 200 (here’s that review) and the 240. (Thinking about buying a Dymo 330? Don't until you read this http://www.epinions.com/content_108021386884).
You may wonder how we ended up with 3 models when one could have done it. Well, it's a long story. The 100 model lasted nearly 5 years and wasn't networkable. We actually had 3 of them in the office, all connected to one PC. To "borrow" it, one had to take over the other's PC for the duration of the printing--not a popular option. We then got the 240 version--it was networked for the entire Finance Department. It worked great. However, the Executive Department needed their 100 replaced and we convinced them the 200 version was fast enough for their one user (why she couldn't use the Finance printer is another story all together). So 3 versions and actually 5 printers later, we're a Seiko family.
The main difference between the three we have is the size of the labels and the speed:
100 Printing Width 1”, DPI 203, Connection USB or Serial, Print Speed 8 seconds
200 Printing Width 2”, DPI 203, Connection USB or Serial, Print Speed 8 seconds
240 Printing Width 2”, DPI 203, Connection USB or Serial, Print Speed 3 seconds
Otherwise, they all do exactly the same thing in exactly the same way:
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:
-Act 2000, 4.0, 3.0
-Goldmine 3,4,5
-Maximizer 97
-Organizer 97
-Outlook 2000/98/97
-Pilot Desktop 2.0, 3.0
-Word 2000/97/95
-Wordperfect 7.0/8.0
The editor also allows you to shrink-to-fit, word wrap, and can print in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, and Dutch.
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 3 seconds for a standard label and up to 5 seconds for one with a logo. Amazingly fast if you ask me!
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
How do you decide which is for you? Size is an issue. If you only want to print file folder and mail labels, then go for the $99 model 100. If you want labels up to 2” tall then you’ll need the 200 or 240. For the price difference, I’d recommend he 200.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 259.00
Operating System: Windows
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briandalsmom
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Member: Mom
Location: USA
Reviews written: 250
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