Comprehensive review of Brother P-Touch PT-P700 label maker for office use

Description

Advantages of the Brother P-Touch PC Connectable Label Maker (PT-P700)

I’ve used quite a few label makers, and I have to say, the Brother P-Touch PC Connectable Label Maker (PT-P700) really stands out when it comes to versatility and ease of use. This little machine punches well above its weight in terms of performance. With its USB connectivity, I was able to connect it to both my Windows laptop and my friend’s MacBook without any problems. There’s no need for additional software installation; just plug it in, and you’re ready to go.

The P-touch Editor Lite software is a blessing for people like me who want to customize their labels. From fonts to logos, I could personalize my labels exactly how I wanted. I even downloaded a few templates from the cloud, and it worked seamlessly. The 24mm label width is perfect for most of my projects, whether it’s organizing office files, labeling cables, or sprucing up storage containers.

• Simple plug-and-play setup with no need for extra drivers.
• Customizable labels with options for fonts, graphics, and even logos.
• Works with both Windows and Mac operating systems.

Drawbacks to Consider

While using this label maker, I did notice a couple of things that might bother some users. The power options can be a bit inconvenient. It comes with an AC adapter, which is great for stationary use, but if you’re planning on taking it on the go, you’ll need 6 AA batteries. That’s a lot of batteries, and they aren’t included in the box. Another thing I found is that the labels can sometimes be tricky to peel off, especially if you’re in a hurry.

• Requires 6 AA batteries for portable use, and they’re not included.
• Label peeling could be easier for quicker use.

Design and Build Quality

The compact design of this label maker is one of its biggest selling points. At just 3.1 x 6 x 5.6 inches and weighing 1.56 pounds, it’s incredibly lightweight and portable, even if it’s mostly used on a desk. The overall build quality feels durable, and it doesn’t look cheap, despite being reasonably priced. The machine’s minimalistic design blends well into any workspace, and I didn’t feel like it took up too much room on my already crowded desk.

The buttons and USB port are conveniently located, making it easy to use even for someone who isn’t tech-savvy. I particularly like the LCD display, which provides clear feedback while printing.

Flexible Power Options

One feature I was genuinely impressed by is the flexibility of the power options. The included AC adapter is reliable and works well for desk setups. However, I did try using it with AA batteries, and although it worked fine, it does seem excessive to require six of them. For someone constantly on the move, this could be a bit of a hassle.

That said, the ability to switch between power sources is still a nice touch, especially if you’re in a pinch and don’t have access to a power outlet.

Performance and Features

This Brother label maker is an absolute workhorse. I tested it on a variety of materials, and the laminated labels are exceptionally durable. Whether I stuck them on folders, plastic bins, or even on my chaotic mess of IT cables, they held up without peeling. The 25mm to 1000mm label length range was particularly useful for different projects, allowing me to print both short and long labels.

The printing speed is decent, and the labels come out clean and professional-looking. The machine supports tape widths ranging from 3.5mm to 24mm, which gives you a lot of flexibility. And the fact that it works with black on white laminated tape means the text is always clear and legible.

Competing Products

I’ve tried other label makers in the past, including some from DYMO and Epson, and each has its pros and cons. Compared to DYMO’s LabelWriter series, the Brother PT-P700 offers more customization options, especially when it comes to fonts and templates. However, DYMO machines often have an edge in terms of peeling ease, which is something Brother could improve on.

On the other hand, Epson’s LabelWorks series has a sleeker design and better battery efficiency. But, I found that the Brother model is more reliable for heavy-duty use, particularly when working on labeling office assets or IT equipment.

Where the Brother label maker really shines is its plug-and-play USB setup, which neither DYMO nor Epson does quite as well. This makes it ideal for users who might not be super tech-savvy.

Value for Money

I think the price to quality ratio of this label maker is excellent. It’s not the cheapest option out there, but for what you’re getting—a durable, customizable, and highly functional device—it’s absolutely worth it. I didn’t feel like I was overspending, especially considering the additional features like cloud templates and multi-OS compatibility.

If you’re someone who needs a label printer for both personal and professional use, this model strikes a great balance between affordability and performance. While the battery issue is something to keep in mind, the overall price efficiency makes it a solid investment in my opinion.

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