Brother PTD210 Easy-to-Use Label Maker

I love my labeller! I label everything now. Good thing I don’t have a pet.

I bought a P-Touch several years ago and then promptly returned it after trying to decipher the manual… and then I breathed a sigh of relief. But I eventually reached a point where I knew I needed better organization. After some research and watching several youtube tutorials where users seemed to fly through the P-Touch interface with ease, I finally decided to give it another shot.

I had originally contemplated buying the D400 — even though it was over twice the price — because it does wider labels and more lines, but then I realized I didn’t really need more than two lines. In fact, I usual only use one line. After buying this less expensive model (and learning how to use it!), I bought a case and additional cartridges (third-party) with the savings. I haven’t regretted it, but I can understand where those features may be more important for some people.

I would not call the interface intuitive, but after a few sessions of labeling with the manual close at hand, I now rarely need the manual anymore — even after not using the labeller for several weeks. The only thing I need the manual for is to remind me how to use functions I don’t use often, like serial numbers.

I like how there is a green button for each of the main settings to minimize scrolling and submenus. There are just enough buttons and they are sensible. The LCD isn’t as good as a backlit LED, but it’s fine for it’s purpose. If you label outdoors, you may run into some trouble. I don’t label outdoors. About the only thing I would like that the D400 has is a multi-line LCD. But since I don’t often need multi-line labels, it isn’t the end of the world.

The one annoying thing is that, when you click the key sequence to clear formatting so you can type a new label, you have to choose between “Text & Formatting” or “Text Only.” The first option is the default, but I usually only want to clear text and use the same formatting. That means I have to click another key to get to “Text Only.” One click is no big deal, but sometimes I get ahead of myself and forget the extra click. Then I have to reset all the formatting, and that IS a big deal. It’s especially irritating if I didn’t realize I cleared formatting and end up wasting tape, too! I almost wish there were separate buttons to clear text and formatting since it is an oft-used setting. But I’m adapting. Practice, practice, practice.

All in all, this has been the best $20 I ever invested in an organizational supply.

Very easy to use. The printed labels are crisp and clear.

Very pleased with the label maker an excellent product lots of options available with connections hands free can take it outside in the garden, car etc using the batteries or a mains adapter to place it permanently and colourful labels wonderful.

Could do with an option for the English £ sign

This machine works great and exactly as advertised. I especially like the fact that the printed tape has a split in the protective paper which makes it much easier to remove from the printed tape.
It is easy to use and to change setting since all the main settings are on the greenish/yellow buttons above the keyboard. I have it set to a bolder font and aligned to the right. The label then prints with about an inch of excess on the leading edge of the tape. What is nice is that it prints a dashed line which makes it easy for me to trim the label so that it’s the same on both sides. I personally don’t like to much excess tape on each side of the label so this works great for me.
The printer also allows more than one line of text on the label. By pressing the “enter” button, the screen drops to an additional line where you can type the text. Upon printing, it will reduce the font size. I recently labeled my front door light switches since they are easily confused. I chose a small bold font and trimmed the excess since I wanted small but easily read text. This worked great for the purpose. Had I chosen adding a second line to avoid the tape scrap, the font would have been slightly to small and not as bold. I chose to scrap the excess tape to achieve the look that I wanted. I even labeled the switched outlet in our living room. Nice! Looks great!
When I bought the printer, I also ordered aftermarket tape: “Label KINGDOM Compatible Brother P-touch Label Tape TZ TZe, Standard Laminated Tapes, 1/2 Inch x 26.2 Feet, 6 Pack (Combo Set TZ131 TZ231 TZ431 TZ531”.
The tape is less expensive than the original and although slightly inferior in quality to the original Brother tape, it fits my need and also includes the split on the paper side of the tape which is great.

I’ve already gone through an entire roll of tape and the batteries are still going strong. Not sure how long they will last but so far so good!

Overall, this printer works great and is a nice value!