Brother PT-1950 P-touch PC-Ready Labeler for Small Workgroups Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)An idealized P-Touch labeler is close to the PT1950 because from the cheapest to the most expensive models in the P-Touch range, the PT1950 supports the smallest font point size for all labelers: 6 pt; 0.75" wide tape [largest available being 1 inch], all TZ tape types, ships with an AC adapter, supports USB connectivity, includes PC software and performs most options found on the more expensive models.
With USB connectivity, features not available from the 1950 natively are accessible via the PC software, further extending the versatility of the 1950. With the included printer driver, literally any application can be used to format labels. For example, the Brother website suggests the 1950 cannot print bar codes, but it can through its PC software. Windows XP fonts, in all shapes and sizes, are printable. Thus, at worst, you don't need any functions on this machine, just a basic P-Touch printer to use on your PC. Whatever built in functions just make the 1950 portable.
With small font support, I can print densely packed labels that not just identify items, but instruct on its care and use. Name tags can contain more than just identifier information.
I've used 2 P-touch machines so far and they've held up well. The costly tapes are worth the money since they are durable, but the types should be used judiciously. With cartridges, its easy to swap out cheaper P-Touch tape for general purpose like labeling folders, from higher quality tape for semi-permanent jobs such as labeling computer cables. Jams rarely occur, and if they did, its often from dirty heads.
I will append this review if it turns out the the 1950 hasn't lived up to its reputation for reliability, as my other P-Touch printers have.

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The PT-1950 is the USB-ready P-touchlabeling system for office and light commercial use. With its PC-Ready capabilities, included AC adapter, compact size and available easy-change tape cassettes, the PT-1950 is the perfect solution for small groups looking to share a great labeler. The PT-1950 is extremely versatile, satisfying the varied needs of the entire office staff: It prints durable, laminated labels from 1/4" to 3/4" wide, for labeling file folders, computer cables, equipment and more; it functions both as an easy-to-use, stand-alone electronic labeling system, or can be connected to a PC for more advanced graphics and database printing; and it operates either on batteries (6AA), for portability, or through its included AC adapter.And the PT-1950 makes label-making effortless - whether you're creating one or dozens of labels at a time. It features a QWERTY-style keyboard, a two-line LCD display for easy text entry and editing, and an automatic tape cutter, which is perfect for cutting unattended multiple copies.

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Casio Disc Title Printer with Qwerty keyboard (CW-75) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The software install was very fast and went without a hitch. Loaded the batteries, installed the print cartridge, and connected to the computer with the included USB cable. Turning the printer on then prompts Windows XP to recognize the new hardware and load the drivers which you previously installed from the CD-ROM. This took 30 seconds.
Once that was done, I opened up the software and after clicking around a bit to see some of the formatting options, it took me less than ten minutes to put together a label for tomorrow night's MONK second season finale episode which I will burn onto DVD-R, with MONK at the top print area, and the episode name and original air date on the bottom print area. I used TDK brand DVD-R media which has a nice, large, smooth printable surface at the top and bottom.
Then I used the sample CD-R which comes with the machine, to burn a copy of a music CD. My results and observations of the machine's performance:
1. The software is pretty slick, and so far it works flawlessly. Depending on the type of disc you are printing (e.g. music, data, photos, etc.), it presents you with a variety of formatting options for the two print areas. With all formatting options, you can change the font name and size to whatever you have installed on your computer. All text formatting changes are immediately shown in the on-screen depiction of your label, so you can see right away if your text will fit into the print area the way you want it to appear. If you are printing in both print areas of the disc, the software prompts you to first align the disc in the tray for the top portion of the label...click print and it goes to it. Then the tray opens again, and the software prompts you to turn the disk so that it can print the lower print area.
2. I have not yet used the printer as a stand-alone...I will eventually try it out, but why bother with all those buttons and keys when I can easily get what I want much more easily on the computer?
3. The print quality is Pretty Darn Good. Larger, bolder and straighter fonts come out better than smaller, thin and curvy fonts, but in all cases you'll notice a slight "pixelization", or slightly rough edges. To my eye, it's only obvious if I hold the thing right up to my face. You can change the print density but I haven't played with that option yet, to see if it makes a difference. Overall, I'm happy with the print quality.
4. I'll be interested in seeing how the printing on the CD holds up from use in my car. The instructions say that use in such players causes wear on the print surface from the CD player's rollers that load the CD, which could cause the printing to eventually get worn off. Also says not to keep printed CDs where they'll get very hot, and not to store them in plastic-sleeve storage devices...I guess the ink can come off on the vinyl if it's in contact with it for very long.
5. Cost per print raised by others...bah! Definitely no comparison to the almost-zero cost of just writing on a disc with a marker, but my handwriting and printing looks like crap. Labels and ink jet ink aren't free, but probably cheaper than using this...but so what? And I'm starting to see some of the labels I've been using (Stomper and Avery) come up a little around the edges over time.
6. Power options: the battery power is great for me, because I don't have to find an empty outlet in my gaggle of power strips, and I can just pick the thing up and put it in a drawer when I'm done. On the other hand, I think Casio could have sprung for a measly A/C adapter instead of making it an option.
7. The CW-75 is not built like a tank. The drawer has a flimsy feel and does not close as precisely as it should. The unit is lightweight and...well, just think of your last Casio calculator or adding machine to get an idea of its general construction, fit, and finish.

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CW-75 Disc Title Printer with QWERTY keyboard

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