New Brother P-Touch PT-D600 Label Maker
So then I decided to see what newer models Brother had available that could connect to your PC. The Brother PT-D600 seemed to be their newest PC connectable model, but it also has a keyboard and you can design the labels directly on it as well (with a color screen). However the price was like $76 on Amazon. So I just added it to my shopping basket, hoping that the price would come down. I've been without a label maker for a few months now, and the price on the label maker finally came down to the $50 range this past Sunday! For only $15 more (than the price of a used label maker), I could get a newer model that I could create labels on my PC or just on the machine itself. So I snagged one right away. I just got it set up last night, and I love it!
Brother P-Touch PT-D600 Label Maker on Amazon.
(This is not an affiliate link.)
It prints faster than the old label maker. It also internally cuts the tape for you automatically as soon as it finishes printing, and it doesn't waste as much tape at the beginning and end of the print. The old unit actually wasted quite a bit of tape on both sides of what your were printing. So this new unit should actually save me money in the long run since it uses the tape much more efficiently! I am also able to use the same Brother P-Touch Editor software I had installed for my old label maker, and all of the previous label templates I created still work beautifully on this new one. If you are looking for a new label maker (or don't have one at all yet), I highly recommend this one! (I'd also try to snag one while the price is still $49.99. I'm sure Amazon will raise the price again soon!
I have been using a brother label maker for my plant labels for the past 9 years. My labels are as good as the day I put them out. The key is to have a smooth flat surface with no air bubbles. This way the water will not get under the label. As far as sun fading the labels, it does not happen. I'm looking to get another 10 years from these labels. Adam Yakabuskie
ReplyDeleteAdam,
DeleteYes, I agree the Brother Label tape with the "Extra Strength" adhesive seems to last forever. I have some garden markers made with that tape that are 10 years old and still going strong!
Adriana
I have a 5 year old Epson label maker. I'm going to see if they stand the test of time outdoors. If I had a do-over, I'd buy the brother but since I already own this model we'll see how it goes. Sophia, my daughter loves getting to stick the stickers on the copper markers for our plants.
ReplyDeleteJanice,
DeleteGood luck and let me know how they turn out! Does Epson offer a similar "strong adhesive" type tape like Brother does? That seems like it would be a good test to see which one holds up better. Also I would probably make a map of your plants just in case the labels fade (since your not sure yet if they will last). Good luck!
Adriana