Labeler Improves Life and Productivity

I've used the Seiko Instruments Inc. Smart Label Printer (SLP) for about four years. This great device has my files, and therefore my work, more organized and neat. It is ideal for printing individual labels from time to time. For large jobs, I still use Avery labels in my laser printer.

The SLP is a small desktop printer exclusively for labels. This sleek little unit takes up about 4x7 inches of desk space and is about seven inches tall. It comes with labels, software, an AC adapter, and cables for your computer. The cabling depends on the model, but both USB and serial connections are available.

The main difference between the SLP 100 and the 200/220 models is the label size. The 200 and 220 can accommodate labels up to two inches wide while the 100 only prints on labels up to one inch wide. Note that width here refers to top to bottom and not left to right. Printing is nearly silent and takes just a few seconds.

The software is easy to use. You can use various font types and sizes. With a single click you can format your labels for folders, shipping labels, letters, disks, name badges and custom formats. The system will add a graphic or your logo to the label and even supports bar coding. I've read that it supports e-postage applications but I haven't tried this. Labels and formats can be saved for reuse.

One great feature is the "SmartCapture" program. Find an address in almost any word processing or email software and click the SmartCapture icon in the system tray (by the clock). The system grabs the information, launches the SLP software, and you are just one click away from your label.

One drawback is that you have to load a different roll of labels if you change from printing standard labels to printing 3.5" disk labels. I don't see that there is a better way that this could be handled. It is just annoying. I tend to keep my machine stocked with standard labels. When you do change rolls, it is very simple to pop off the old and slip in the new.

Other than changing the roll of labels, there is NO MAINTENANCE. No ink cartridges or ribbons to change. The quality of the thermal printing is excellent and I've never experienced fading as with some other thermal printing devices (including my dry cleaning receipts from Dry Clean depot).

The SLP 200 goes for about $190 and includes plenty of starter labels. See Seiko's great website for more information about label types and vendors. http://www.seikosmart.com/ (click on "Printers")