Brother PT-H500 Label Maker, USB 2.0, P-Touch Label Printer, Handheld, QWERTY Keyboard, Up to 24mm Labels, Includes USB Cable/Wrist Strap/24mm Black on White Tape Cassette

Highly recommended has a massive range of label sizes and colours to choose from

Excellent label printer

A decision was made to replace an existing Brother wireless label printer that seems more often to fail to connect to the network than effortlessly function with the "Brother PT-H500 Label Maker, USB 2.0, P-Touch Label Printer, Handheld, QWERTY Keyboard, Up to 24mm Labels, Includes USB Cable/Wrist Strap/24mm Black on White Tape Cassette". It accepts tapes up to 24mm, one of which is included, has a QWERTY keyboard and the capability to add punctuation, foreign and an extensive range of additional characters via sub-menus and selected buttons. When connected by its USB cable to a computer (Windows or Mac), using Brother's downloadable UK label software (the driver software will also be needed), it allows additional graphics and use of the computer's fonts or others you later add.Basic documentation is included but a more complete manual is available for download. In addition to usage instructions etc, it also provides very extensive data on the range and variety of symbols it internally supports and how to access them. It is classified as a 'Professional PC Labeller' unlike the majority of the P-Touch range.There are several smaller Brother handheld models of a somewhat similar design and less expensive, but limited as to accepted tape widths; however, the size of this machine takes it from a hand-held to desk-bound as does its weight, even without batteries installed. With an existing collection of tapes up to 24 mm currently owned and available, this was the only portable option able to use all of them while still relatively affordable. A case would be desirable but is apparently an impossibility.Powered by 6 x AA batteries which can be alkaline or rechargeable although Brother's 7.5v lithium battery pack is another option, it also needs the relevant charger which can be used to power the printer, but they are collectively quite expensive - it is recharged within the printer although the combination is probably only a realistic proposition for intensive users. With batteries installed, it is somewhat portable and usable anywhere without needing mains power.All TZe tapes, regardless of width, contain a nominal 8 metres and are potentially capable of providing dozens of labels. With various tape widths installed as required, it will permit multiple lines of text on most (not 3.5mm which is restricted to one line and may not be accepted by any other PT model) , up to 7 with a 24 mm tape, although only 2 with 6mm. The range of available tapes sizes and colours (base tone or printed text) is extensive and includes metallic finishes (not by presently Brother) as well as special purpose tapes including iron-on fabric, tubular cable labels and a few with extra-strong adhesive for security use. Its 'special purpose' labels can be directly compared with the Professional labellers including models dedicated to electrical trades, engineers etc offered by another brand; the machines are very expensive as are its tapes which contain just 1.5 metres, and therefore far less cost-effective. Printed TZe labels do not fade unlike thermal paper labels which will relatively quickly. They are also waterproof; labels have survived a wipe-over with a damp cloth but none have yet been fully immersed.Printed labels are ideal for use on school and college work books and files, shelving and storage units, computer peripherals such as storage devices especially where several are identical, to personalise possessions used within the workplace and for much more in the workplace and other locations. They are less effective as address labels as they poorly adhere to absorbent surfaces such as paper and card for which paper labels are better suited; they adhere well to most plastic wrappings.In the final analysis, it was decided that it is too unwieldy for the hand, would occupy a considerable proportion of any free desk space when used that way, and far too bulky and too heavy to be considered as truly portable. If a fitted case was available, convenience may have slightly improved.POSTSCRIPT - a wrist lanyard was later found among the paperwork and there is a fitting for it. The problem was that more than 30 minutes were wasted in trying before it was discovered that there is no opening for the thin portion to pass through after subsequent probing with looped jewellery wire. Not one of Brother's best implementations.

Very versatile. Prints any label you could imagine. Solid build - quite big, so you'll need a fair sized carry case. Power supply recommended.Much better value than Dymo offerings. 12mm x 8m tapes at around £10.

Great machine and works well. No problems.

Doesn't come with battery or case not worth the price tag

Labels for everything.Brilliant

Great printer at a great price for what I want it to do.