Brother PT-80 P-touch Electronic Labeling System

I bought this item several months ago and promptly packed it away when I found out that you could only print 1 or 2 labels before replacing the batteries. I figured I had just received a bad one.

Recently we used one that we found unopened at work. I printed one very short label using brand new batteries and the battery died. I figured I'd need to forget about this one too. Fortunately, the man who repairs our transports came in and noticed the label maker. He inquired about it and I explained what had happened. He went and got a pencil (he used the eraser) and did something to the batteries and the label maker. The batteries work again and haven't died since. I wish I knew exactly what he did.

I originally would have rated this item a 1 but now give it a 5. Hence I averaged the total and gave it a 3 here.

I have owned this labeler for a couple of years and use it at school to label my student's instrument lockers. I rarely have had to change the batteries, although I think having to use 3 batteries in a machine like this is a bit much. It has been a terrific little labeler! the tapes are way too expensive, but they do offer nice color combinations.

This is a nice printer. I've been thinking of getting one to organize my carton boxes, but didn't because I knew the replacement tapes were expensive. [...], I just couldn't resist anymore.

I just got it, and could print a label immediately within 5 minutes after unwrapping the box (probably with 3 minutes looking for 4 AAA batteries). I didn't even need to look at the manual to print my first label. And of course with the easy-to-follow manual, I know I can use different styles, size, borders for the labels.

The printing is so quiet and the outcome is just so neat. Believe it or not, my last labeler was a DYMO 20 years ago.

This is just a great deal!

I wanted to reiterate that this thing *EATS* batteries. I thought I could combat this flaw with rechargeable batteries, but in the end it didn't work out. You end up getting stuck with a dead device while you wait for 6 hours for your batteries to recharge (Rechargeable batteries still loose their charge when they are not being used). I'm not saying you can't manage your battery usage and make this device work for you, but I will say that I don't have the time to worry if the batteries in my labeler are up to the task.

Eventually I had an engineering buddy solder a power cord to the device so I wouldn't have to worry about the batteries anymore. Yes it's a hack, but it was cheaper than buying another labeler. If you're already looking to buy a $20/30 dollar labeler, I'd recommend getting one with an optional power cord.

I bought this labeling device to organize my laboratory, because it was on sale, inexpensive, and looked straightforward to use. I've since had to buy 15 refill label tape cartridges which have wound up costing me an additional >$225. The machine has an enticingly low price; the company makes up the difference with the expensive tape. Also, the machine automatically puts a buffer of ~1/2 inch of tape on either side of each label that you print, which means that you are automatically wasting a ton of tape for each label - I haven't found any way to change the default settings so that I use less tape per label.

Like other customers, I've encountered the short battery life problem. However, this is less of an issue for me because I have just dedicated four rechargeables to the task of running the Brother.

In summary, I would love to give this device a higher rating because of its ease of use. But if you plan to do a lot of labeling, I think that in the long run you might find a cheaper solution if you buy a more expensive labeler at the outset - one that charges less for replacement tape cartridges.