Brother P-Touch PT-18R Rechargeable Labeling System

Product Description

Brother PT-18R P-Touch Portable Electronic Label MachineThe PT-18R is a "get up and go" rechargeable desktop labeler with handheld convenience. Connect toa PC for printing labels and graphics with a USB cable (included). Or, you can remove the compact labeler from its charger cradle base and use it as a portable label maker. Simply place the labeler back on the cradle to recharge the battery and keepit ready for the next job. Ideal in workgroup situations, the PT-18R features 103 symbols and 28 font sizes in 8 different styles. Backed by the manufacturer's 1-year limited warranty.Specifications:Labeler type: computer; desktop; handheldNumber of lines in display 2 Number of characters per line 15 Number of character fonts 4 Number of symbols 103 Number of type sizes 28 Number of type styles 8 Automatic formattingBarcodingSequencingRepeat printing 100 copies Text framingUnderlining Typewriter-style keyboard yes Integrated cutterMaximum resolution 180 dpi Automatic shut-offPowersource rechargeable NiMH Batteries includedTape included Tape width 1/4"; 3/8"; 1/2"; 3/4"Tape length 25 feet Dimensions:Height 4 9/10 inches x Width 6 inches x Depth 2 inches

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #13642 in Office Product
• Size: 2 In
• Color: Silver
• Brand: Brother
• Model: PT-18R
• Platform: Windows
• Format: CD
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 4.82" h x 5.87" w x 2.05" l, 1.28 pounds

Features

• Rechargeable desktop labeler with handheld convenience
• Remove from cradle for on-site labeling
• Connects to PC for special labeling products
• Graphical, 15-character by 2-line LCD display
• Easy one-key access for templates and symbols

Customer Reviews

Most helpful customer reviews

82 of 84 people found the following review helpful.
Compact handy labeler
By Strohmian
I've owned a Brother PC- only labeler for a few years now, but I ended up not using it much after the initial play period. The problem is, if you have to sit down and fire up your PC and the software (no matter how intuitive and sexy), it's just easier to use a pen, or nothing at all for that matter! After I read that David Allen, the author of Getting Things Done, concurred, I looked again for a more "ready when you are" tool. I highly recommend that you check out Brother's website; they have a nifty comparison feature that you can customize per model and feature and produce a PDF at the end - great for your final decision process. For me, size and an auto cutter were the main features I was looking for, and that eventually lead me to this device, the little-reviewed 18R.

This particular unit is 2-3 times smaller in volume than all its brothers (non-intended pun here), thanks to its rechargeable battery. I was resisting this rechargeable business at first, because it implies frequent use (like a cell phone or laptop), but I warmed up to it. The price difference isn't that great (~$20 compared to a slightly lesser unit, the price of 8 good rechargeable AAs actually), plus it turned out that the little beast can go up to six months of occasional use without recharging, which is very impressive in my book. The NiMh cell is custom and labeled "Brother 18R"; hopefully there will be replacements in a couple of years when it finally gives out. I especially like the fact that this unit stores extremely well in addition to it being small: unlike the desktop models which sit flat on your desk and awkwardly occupy a lot of space no matter where you place them, this one actually goes into your library like a book, or upright into a corner of your desk drawer or file folder.

The auto cutter lives up to its name, so much better than manual. It cuts off the tape lead so you don't have to keep scissors around (you may find that funny, but re-cutting labels was standard procedure with my other labeler!). My favorite is the "chain mode". Here, you essentially delay your latest print in favor of a more efficient use of tape material. For example, if you enter "January", "February" and "March" and hit Print every time, the "March" label remains in the unit until you print something else or change your mind and hit the "scissors" button. This should address most people's issues with the wasted tape; it's as good as it gets with this system.

The device is very easy to use: while you type your text, it tells you how long your label is going to be. If you select borders, etc. the graphical display shows you the styles, and if you desire you can hit the preview button to get a WYSIWYG representation before printing. There are also a few "layouts" available, for example fixed-length (for your file folders), or two-line printing with different font sizes on each line (I find these particularly useful to label my Nalgene bottles with the content plus my name underneath). Unfortunately, the chain print mode (see above) doesn't work with those handy layouts; it always cuts off about 1/2" of empty tape. But I can live with it.

My minor gripe with this device is the low-contrast, non-backlit display (hey, since I'm running on rechargeables, I could justify the energy needs of a backlight). Also, the latch that closes the cassette department doesn't seem solid to me: a tiny plastic thing, similar to the one that broke on my other labeler. While I'm whining, I'd also like 360 dpi resolution for that really industrial look, but those printers are currently much more expensive (or PC- only, which to me is now useless).

Still, this is the most useful, feature- rich, and compact labeler that I've ever used, so 4 stars are deserved. Hope it helped in your quest to label those sock drawers :)

58 of 63 people found the following review helpful.
I have had a breakthough in organization since getting the PTouch
By accordionplayer
This system fits nicely in the hands. It holds a charge a long time. I owned another brother product. The batteries did not last long. I purchased the AC adapter which was about the same price as the Labeler. Then I was limited by the cord

This cord-free version with long battery life is great. And means that I can take the labeler to whereever the project is. It automatically cuts so there is an even border on each side of the label. I purchased this because it has the ability to connect to a PC via USB port, though I have not used that feature yet.

It seemed like I went through the tape that came with the system quickly. It may have been shorter (like a sample) I am on my second cartridge and it seems to be lasting a long time.

My only comment is that I think the borders on each side are long--forcing you to use more tape than necessary. But this seems to be how they all work, so I still rate it 5 stars.

40 of 42 people found the following review helpful.
Very nice unit
By James M.
This unit is great! It's small, rechargeable, connects to the computer, has many useful formatting modes when you are using it away from the computer, and has an auto-cut function. It also has a chain printing mode that wastes very little tape. This mode selection is remembered until you change it again, no fiddling with settings each time.

The only (minor) complaint is that the charging dock does not have a USB port, so you have to manually plug it into your computer when you set it on the charger. And it's a little pricey, but if you use any P-Touch unit more than occasionally, then the cost of the tape will quickly overwhelm the differences in price between this unit and less expensive ones. And this one is nicer.

See all 37 customer reviews...