How to Buy a Label Maker

Label-maker basics

Most moderately priced label makers print at a resolution of 180 dpi, so some letters show a slightly jagged edge. In most sizes, though, text is very easy to read. Keyboards come in two basic types: the computer-style QWERTY layout -- best for anyone who can type or text well -- and alphabetical layout designed for kids and inexperienced typists.

Compared with old-style embossing label makers that require you to turn a wheel to select each letter, modern electronic label makers are a whiz to use. They cover a wide price range, though, with many factors to consider. Comparing the pros and cons of the two main brands, and thinking about the size and type of labels you'll want to print -- and where, and how often -- will make it easy to match a model with your needs.

Brother and Dymo are the two main brands. Label makers from both brands cover a wide price range, though Dymo makes the very least expensive label maker, an old-style manual model that makes you turn a wheel to select each letter. More modern thermal-transfer label makers from both brands come in several basic types: handheld, desktop and computer-connected styles. You can find models in both brands that will print fabric iron-on labels for clothing, as well as labels that are either permanent or removable.

Though models vary in features, each brand has special advantages and drawbacks. We didn't find a perfect label maker, so your best choice depends on your priorities -- and which drawbacks you can live with.

In general, Brother label makers seem to provide more features and label options, but the feed mechanism creates a wide margin of extra tape that many owners complain about as wasteful. (You can avoid some of this waste by printing more than one label at a time.) A major plus for the Dymo D1 labels used in some but not all of the company's label makers is their split backing that owners find very easy to peel off. Consider the types of labels you'll want to print; for example, your choices among label makers are limited if you want to print magnetic labels for white boards, refrigerators and file cabinets.

Factors to consider in choosing a label maker:

• Digital label makers are best. The old-fashioned embossing models are slow and awkward by comparison.

• What label materials do you need? Some labels are extra durable for resisting grease, water and variations in temperature. Non-glossy paper labels are fine for file folders, and you may want to be able to print special labels such as magnetic labels for use on white boards, file cabinets and refrigerator or iron-on fabric for clothing labels. Some owners love metallic labels, while others couldn't care less. It's best to decide this before narrowing your choice of label maker.

• Consider the label widths you'll need. Narrow 3.5 mm labels can be used on CD case spines. At the other extreme, some users like labels as wide as 1 inch, for large print labels or for several lines of text. You can even get label makers that print name badges.

• Decide which keyboard style you want. For kids and non-typists, a keyboard arranged in alphabetical order is easier to use, but good typists will be better served by a QWERTY keyboard.

• How many font and style options do you want? For simple, quick labels, extra options could just complicate use. If you enjoy decorative labels, though, look for a model with lots of fonts and styles. You can also get label makers that can print icons and borders as well as standard punctuation and symbols.

• An electrical adapter or rechargeable battery adds convenience and saves money. If you don't use a label maker often, the batteries can deteriorate; if you do use one often, reviewers say label makers go through batteries pretty fast.

• Does the screen preview how the label will look? If the label maker offers a choice of fonts, sizes and styles, it's best to be able to see in advance how the choices will look when printed. Reviewers note, too, that some screens are more readable than others.

• Memory can save time. Many label makers build in memory, saving frequently used labels or phrases so you don't have to keep retyping them.

• An automatic label cutter is nice if you print loads of labels at one time. Note, however, that manual cutters just require pressing a button.