© 2014 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
BOB SKIDMORE
CORRESPONDENT
There are label printers and
then there’s the EPSON LW-600P. What makes the EPSON so different? It’s a
portable, battery (6 AA) or AC powered, thermal transfer printer that can
easily fit in a briefcase or toolbox, or just simply on your desk. Its purpose
is to print various types of labels other than the common address variety, such
as for marking cables, emergency exits or printing on ribbon stock.
I tested this unique printer
and found the quality, ease of use with available software, numerous size-adjustable
fonts and wide variety of label stock to be most impressive. Since it uses
Bluetooth or a USB connection, it works well with iPhone, Android, iPad, Mac
and PC computers, as well as various other tablets. The EPSON iLabel software
is downloadable as a FREE App and includes over 100 label design templates, 400
symbols including the creation of QR code labels for content sharing, or
barcode labels for inventory. You can import custom graphics such as logos and
photographs to copy or paste on to the label design. There’s even a handwriting
mode for custom drawing or annotation of labels using the touchscreen interface
and EPSON has launched a developers’ program for further development of the
capabilities making third party apps such as Scanlife and Stkr.it possible.
(TIP: Presently, vertical printing is not
supported, but as with many other add-on features, will be possible with future
software upgrades.)
The label stock, while a bit
pricy, offers quite a selection that includes clear, fabric iron-on, metallic, pearlized,
reflective, ribbon, fluorescent, “glow-in
–the-dark”, and many other standard coatings. These cartridges are quickly
interchangeable allowing for easy substitution of label stock for different
applications. The applications are limitless. Label stock is available in 1/4, 3/8,
1/2, 3/4 and 1-inch sizes and are upwards compatible from EPSON’s previous LW-300
and 400 models.
(TIP: Epson labels
have been successfully tested as water resistant. When submerged, however, the
ink will remain in tact, but the possibility exists that the adhesive could
dissolve causing detachment. Further testing is planned for this and other
critical applications, and refinements made where necessary. Even though these
labels use thermal transfer as the printing method, passing thru a laminator
has no negative effect.)
Previously, printers with
this capability would have cost hundreds of dollars and still not have offered
the wide variety of printing possibilities. The EPSON LW-600P puts affordable unique
portable label printing in the hands of the homeowner and small business
entrepreneur making possible a whole new world of creative labeling.
GADGETEER’s RATING: ★★★★★
MSRP: $99.99 (Available at retail and on line)
Bob
Skidmore is a freelance writer, who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent,
make any legality of use claims, or endorse any of the products he reviews and
his opinions are solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer. The
manufacturer generally supplies products at no cost for the articles and no
other compensation is received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to
products he feels worthy of review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus
the reason for many superior ratings. Some
information for this article may be gathered from various news sources
available to the author.
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