I have been using this system for quite a while. I was in need of a way to label my music and data CDs as well as my burned DVD discs and decided to try the Memorex system. It didn’t take me long to learn that I didn’t like the matte labels that come with the system, however they are fine for data discs or any label that only uses text. For labels with graphics or fancy designs, they simply look horrible. I purchased the high gloss label refills which come 20 per pack and are quite a bit more expensive but look so much better for quality graphics.


What you get

In the kit you will find 100 sheets of matte CD labels which include the round CD label, jewel case spine and multipurpose labels all on the same sheet. There are two of each type on every sheet. You will also find 5 matte jewel case inserts which I also do not care for, and a label applicator. The software that comes with the system is exPressit S.E. 2.1 which comes with graphics designs and prefab CD label layouts (which I don’t use either).


What I like

* I like the applicator, the label applicator is very easy to use. You just peel off the CD label and lay it face down on the applicator, place a CD face down on top and press it down to apply the label.

* I like the software for printing. The software prints the label perfectly on the sheet but you must run a calibration first to make sure your printer will line up correctly. The calibration is simple and only takes one sheet of regular paper to perform.

* I like the fact that I can get refill paper for the system and do not have to use matte paper if I don’t want to.


What I don’t like

* I don’t like the matte paper except for data CD labels or plain text labels. I use the high gloss CD label refills for my labels and regular gloss photo paper for the jewel case inserts. Using photo paper for the jewel case inserts works well but you must cut them by hand which takes a little time and simple motor skill.

* I don’t like the fact that you get 200 labels and only 5 jewel case inserts. I mean, that is just stupid. I figure, if you are going to take the time to make a label for a CD or DVD that you probably are going to want to make a jewel case for the disc too. Putting 5 jewel case inserts in the kit is ludicrous.

* I don’t like the software (exPressit S.E. 2.1) for making designs. The software is buggy at best for making complex designs. Sometimes what you see on the design is not what prints, I have had a lot of experience with this software and have not once had a design with more than two items print properly. If you have text in more than one place, you must make sure that it is “on top” of other design items or it will not show up when you print. This is understandable but even when you are sure all the text is on top, it sometimes does not print. I have come to use Adobe Photoshop for creating the design in full and then I only use exPressit to place one single image on the label. This can be difficult without having the full dimensions of the label but when you pull the image to the label you can use the “fit to” feature of exPressit to make the image fill out the label. With practice I have mastered this operation and it works extremely well.

I also use Photoshop for jewel case designs and then exPressit to print them. That is the only thing I have found useful about the software, it prints the label flawlessly and exactly to the right place on the label as long as you only use a single image.


Refills

You can use any Memorex brand CD label refills for this system. You can get the high gloss CD labels in packages of 20 and the matte can be found in packages as large as 100. You can also use any Memorex jewel case inserts with this system, however I recommend using regular glossy photo paper and just cut them out yourself. They just look so much better than the matte and it’s cheaper than buying the glossy jewel case paper.


Conclusion

This system is ok, but I would recommend just getting the applicator if you can get it by itself and buy the glossy refills if you want nice looking labels. If your inkjet printer is lower than 600x600 resolution, you will really want the glossy labels unless you only plan to use text on white background.


Recommended: Yes