There was a time when my home office, and indeed, many aspects of my life, felt like a chaotic mess of cables, forgotten folders, and unidentified containers. The sheer volume of things I needed to keep track of, from important documents to various tech gadgets and storage bins, became overwhelming. I knew I needed a system, something to bring order to the disarray, or face constant frustration and wasted time searching for misplaced items. That’s when I realized the critical need for a reliable and versatile labeling solution like the Brother P-Touch PC Connectable Label Maker (PT-P700). Without it, the inefficiency would only grow, turning simple tasks into monumental hunts.
- A versatile desktop label printer for labeling workplace assets such as IT and electrical equipment as well as paperwork, files, signage and storage
- Operating systems: Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows Vista and Mac v10.6x, 10.7x, and 10.8x.
- Label length settings: 25mm - 1000mm
Key Considerations Before Investing in a Labeling Solution
Before diving into any specific product, it’s essential to understand why you need a label maker in the first place and what problems it should solve. A good labeling machine can transform disorganization into clarity, helping identify contents of boxes, categorize files, mark cables, and even create professional signage for your home or small business. It’s an indispensable tool for anyone seeking efficiency and order.
The ideal customer for a desktop label printer like the PT-P700 is someone who needs to produce a high volume of varied, customized labels from their computer. This includes small business owners, office managers, IT professionals, crafters, or even highly organized home users. If you’re someone who only needs an occasional, simple label for a spice jar, a basic handheld label maker might suffice. However, if you require intricate designs, different fonts, logos, or need to manage extensive labeling tasks, a PC-connectable model is definitely the way to go. Those who might not need this specific model are individuals primarily looking for standalone, on-the-go labeling without computer integration; for them, a dedicated handheld unit would be more portable and immediate.
Before making a purchase, consider these points:
* Connectivity: Do you need PC/Mac connectivity for advanced design, or is standalone sufficient?
* Label Customization: How much control do you want over fonts, graphics, and layout?
* Tape Variety & Durability: What widths and types of tape do you need (laminated, strong adhesive, flexible cable, fabric)?
* Portability vs. Desktop: Will it primarily stay in one place, or do you need to carry it around?
* Power Source: Does it run on batteries for portability or just AC power?
* Print Speed & Features: How quickly do you need labels, and are features like automatic cutting or chain printing important?
- 2025 New Version: Compared with the traditional label makers, half weight and size of the traditional label maker, smaller, smarter and convenient for users to carry. Wireless Bluetooth label maker...
- So many uses. There's no end to the ways you can use your P-touch PT-D210. This label maker has you covered, from file folders or organizing your supplies to clothes storage and more. With its...
- Upgrade Version - The Phomemo D30 Bluetooth label maker supports continuous and fixed-length label tapes. This compact machine is half the weight of traditional label makers, equipped with German...
Introducing the Brother P-Touch PT-P700 Label Maker: What It Offers
The Brother P-Touch PT-P700 is a versatile, PC-connectable thermal label printer designed to bridge the gap between simple handheld devices and more complex industrial labelers. Its core promise is to provide an easy, efficient way to create highly customized, durable laminated labels directly from your computer. When you purchase this label maker, it typically comes with a starter 24mm (0.94 inch) black-on-white laminated TZe tape cassette, an AC adapter, and a USB cable. It also includes pre-loaded P-touch Editor Lite software and printer drivers for PC/Mac, making initial setup remarkably straightforward.
This particular label maker is ideally suited for anyone needing to organize office assets, IT equipment, files, storage, or even personal belongings with professional-looking, robust labels. It’s perfect for multi-user offices where the device might be shared, or for individuals who appreciate the design flexibility offered by a full-sized keyboard and monitor. It might not be the best fit for someone looking for a label maker with an integrated keyboard and display for standalone use, as it relies on a computer for design and printing.
Here’s a quick look at its strengths and weaknesses:
Pros:
* PC/Mac Connectivity: Easy integration with your computer for advanced label design.
* Durable Laminated Labels: Produces labels resistant to water, fading, abrasion, heat, and cold.
* Variety of Tape Sizes: Supports tapes from 3.5mm up to 24mm, offering flexibility for different applications.
* Fast Print Speed: Prints at up to 30mm per second, great for batch printing.
* Automatic Cutter: Improves efficiency and creates clean, professional-looking labels.
* P-touch Editor Software: Allows for extensive customization using fonts, graphics, and database integration.
Cons:
* Tape Waste: Generates a small lead margin (about 3/4 to 1 inch) of tape at the beginning of each print job, which can be wasteful for single labels.
* Computer Dependent: Cannot be used as a standalone device; requires a PC or Mac for operation.
* Setup Nuances (Mac): Some Mac users have reported minor setup complexities, requiring specific driver installation steps or button presses to recognize the printer properly.
* Portability Limits: While it can run on batteries, its size and reliance on a computer make it less “portable” than dedicated handheld models.
Deep Dive into Capabilities: How the PT-P700 Shines
Having used the Brother PT-P700 for quite some time now, I can confidently say it has become an indispensable tool. Its features work together seamlessly to provide a robust labeling experience, making organization less of a chore and more of a streamlined process.
Effortless PC/Mac Connectivity and Software Integration
One of the standout features of the PT-P700 is its “Plug & Label” functionality. Initially, you just connect it via the included USB cable to your PC or Mac, and the pre-loaded P-touch Editor Lite software immediately becomes accessible. This means no lengthy software installation for basic labeling. It feels incredibly intuitive – like plugging in a flash drive that happens to print labels. This ease of use is crucial in an office environment where multiple users might need to print labels from different machines without wanting to install full software packages. For more advanced needs, downloading the full P-touch Editor software from the Brother website unlocks a world of customization. This capability is paramount because it frees you from the limitations of a small, integrated screen and tiny keyboard found on many handheld labelers. Instead, you design your labels using the comfortable interface of your computer, leveraging all your installed fonts and accessing a vast array of symbols and graphics. This dramatically enhances both efficiency and the aesthetic quality of your labels, directly addressing the core problem of creating clear, professional-looking identification.
Unmatched Label Customization and Versatility
The true power of this label printer lies in its customization capabilities through the P-touch Editor software. Whether it’s the Lite version or the full-featured desktop application, you can design virtually any label imaginable. I’ve used it to create simple text labels for file folders, intricate designs with company logos for asset tagging, and even labels with barcodes for inventory management. The software allows you to incorporate any font installed on your computer, import images, and utilize various frames and symbols. For those needing to label in bulk, the ability to connect to Excel or Access databases for serial printing is a game-changer. This means you can create hundreds of unique labels in one go, dramatically reducing manual input and errors. For instance, when I had to label several hundred DVDs and Blu-rays for storage, this feature saved me countless hours. The sheer flexibility in design ensures that your labels are not just functional but also aesthetically pleasing, elevating the organization of any space.
Flexible Power Source for Diverse Applications
The PT-P700 offers dual power options: an included AC adapter for desktop use and the ability to run on 6 AA batteries (sold separately) for portability. While it’s not as compact as a truly handheld label maker, the battery option is a significant benefit for situations where you might need to label items away from a power outlet, such as in a warehouse, a server room, or even just moving between different rooms in your home. This flexibility means you’re not tethered to a wall socket, allowing for greater freedom in where and when you can use the device. For me, this has been particularly useful for labeling networking equipment in closets without readily available power, ensuring I can complete tasks without interruption.
Wide Range of Durable TZe Tapes
Compatibility with Brother’s TZe laminated tapes is a massive advantage. These tapes are incredibly durable, designed to withstand water, grease, fading from UV light, abrasion, extreme temperatures, and various chemicals. The text and images are protected by a thin, clear film, ensuring longevity in demanding indoor and outdoor environments. The PT-P700 supports tape widths from 3.5mm up to 24mm (approximately 1 inch), offering incredible versatility for different labeling needs. Whether I need thin labels for file tabs, standard labels for storage bins, or wide labels for signage, there’s a TZe tape that fits. The variety extends beyond basic colors to specialty tapes like strong adhesive, flexible ID for cables, tamper-evident, and even non-laminated fabric iron-on tapes. This extensive tape family ensures that whatever I need to label, the labels will not only look professional but also last for years, solving the long-term problem of labels peeling, fading, or smudging.
High-Speed Printing and Automatic Cutting
The print speed of up to 30 millimeters per second is another strong point, especially when tackling multi-label creation jobs. This speed, combined with the integrated automatic cutter, significantly boosts efficiency. For example, if I need to print 50 labels for new inventory, the PT-P700 churns them out quickly and cuts them cleanly, ready for application. The automatic cutter not only saves time but also ensures a professional finish for each label, eliminating the jagged edges that often result from manual cutting. While some users note the initial tape waste, the chain printing option in the P-touch Editor software can mitigate this by printing multiple labels in a continuous strip, cutting only at the end or between specific labels. This feature, once mastered, greatly optimizes tape usage during batch printing, allowing for more cost-effective operation.
Addressing the “Tape Waste” Disadvantage
While the initial tape waste (about 3/4 to 1 inch at the start of each print job) is a common complaint, it’s an inherent part of the laminated tape system where the print material, laminate, and adhesive label are fed and joined. It ensures jam-free operation. However, as one user pointed out, there are workarounds to minimize this. By utilizing “Chain Printing” in the software, the machine makes only one initial cut for an entire session of multiple labels. To get the final label cut without waste, a small blank label (e.g., 0.28 inches) can be printed as the very last job. This cuts the previous label and initiates the next blank one, but since it’s so short, the waste is negligible. These simple tricks, once learned, make the tape consumption much more manageable, allowing you to maximize the use of each TZe cassette.
Voices from Other Users: Real-World Experiences
After perusing numerous online reviews, it’s clear that many users share my positive sentiment about the Brother P-Touch PT-P700. Many praise its ability to produce beautiful, easy-to-apply, and highly durable laminated labels, highlighting its effectiveness for extensive organization tasks like archiving DVDs or labeling large inventories. Users appreciate the flexibility of using custom fonts and graphics from their computer, finding the P-touch Editor software user-friendly, particularly for those familiar with basic design applications. The print quality is consistently lauded as superior to many handheld alternatives. While some noted initial frustration with the tape waste, several have discovered and shared methods like “Chain Printing” to significantly reduce it, making the printer much more efficient. Mac users, though sometimes encountering minor setup hurdles with drivers or needing to switch off the “P-lite” button to enable printer mode, ultimately find the device works well once configured, often recommending downloading the full P-Touch Editor app. The consensus points to a powerful and versatile tool for comprehensive labeling needs.
Final Thoughts: Why This Label Maker Is a Smart Choice
The initial problem of a disorganized space, filled with unidentifiable items and a constant drain on time, is a common one. Without a proper labeling system, this chaos only intensifies, leading to lost items, missed deadlines, and general frustration. The Brother P-Touch PC Connectable Label Maker (PT-P700) offers an elegant and powerful solution to this pervasive issue.
This specific label maker stands out as a great fit for several reasons. Firstly, its robust PC/Mac connectivity with the intuitive P-touch Editor software allows for unparalleled customization, transforming simple text into professional, branded labels. Secondly, the durability of Brother’s laminated TZe tapes ensures that your organizational efforts last, resisting the elements and daily wear and tear. Finally, its fast print speed and automatic cutter make it exceptionally efficient for both individual and batch labeling tasks, saving you valuable time and effort. If you’re ready to bring lasting order to your home or office, this label maker is an excellent investment. Click here to check it out and start your journey to a more organized life.
Last update on 2025-08-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API