Brother PC Connectable Labeling System with Carry Case (PT2730VP)

Product Description

The PT-2730VP is a professional, desktop labeler that prints using 8 professional fonts. Adaptable – so it can be used “stand-alone" or connected to a PC or Mac for added functionality. Features a large, graphical display with vivid backlight. Print up to 7 lines of text on each label. Create durable, laminated labels in a variety of colors and sizes – up to 24mm wide. Quickly access over 50 pre-designed Label Collection labels with the touch of a button - or use the convenient, Text Reminder feature to recall frequently used words. Includes AC adapter, software, USB cable, Carry/Storage Case and 24mm starter “TZ" tape. PC Connectable Labeling System with Carry CaseHardware Features: Sleek, modern design with built-in automatic cutter. Large, 16-character x 3 line graphical display with vivid backlit design for easy viewing. Creates big, bold, durable, laminated labels in a variety of colors and sizes -up to 24mm wide. Powered by included AC adapter or 8 “AA" batteries (not included). Complete kit: Includes Carry/Storage Case, AC adapter, P-touch Editor software and drivers, USB cable, 0.94" (24 mm) starter “TZ" laminated tape, User’s ManualSoftware Features: Select from 8 fonts, 10 type styles, and 20 frames. New, built-in Label Collection feature offers more than 50 pre-designed labels for Files, Office Signage, Shipping labels –and more! New Download feature allows access to additional Label Collection files! New Text Reminder feature recalls frequently used words. Prints up to 7 lines of text on each label. Save and print up to 99 of your favorite labelsCarton Contents: PT-2730, Carry/Storage Case, AC adapter (AD-24), 0.94" (24 mm) starter “TZ" laminated tape, USB Cable, P-touch®Editor software and drivers, User’s Manual, Two-Year Limited Warranty

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2300 in Office Product
• Size: 3/4" x 26.2 ft.
• Color: Dark Grey
• Brand: Brother
• Model: PT2730VP
• Published on: 2010-11-15
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 2.80" h x 7.00" w x 9.40" l, .10 pounds

Features

• Use as stand-alone labeler, or connect to PC or Mac via USB for added functionality
• Large, 16-character x 3 line graphical display with vivid backlit design for easy viewing
• Comes with protective carry case for easy storage or transporting
• Creates big, bold, durable laminated labels in a variety of colors and sizes - up to 24mm wide
• New, built-in Label Collection feature offers pre-designed labels for Files, Office Signage, Shipping labels - and more!

Customer Reviews

Most helpful customer reviews

43 of 44 people found the following review helpful.
Versatile Label Printer, Excellent In Its Price Range
By T. Nemec
I purchased this printer for use both at work and at home. I work in the IT industry and use this for labeling computers, patch panels, switches, routers, etc. This PT-2730VP replaces an older Brother model PT-1800 that I've had for 8 years. The durability of my old PT-1800 made me want to consider a Brother again this time. Even after 8 years, the PT-1800 is still going strong, I just wanted more features. My short list of requirements for a new label printer were:

- must run on batteries for "in the field" use
- must also include an AC adapter so it can be left on for extended periods when needed
- must have a QWERTY keyboard
- must have a back-lit display for use in areas with minimal lighting
- must be able to use as BOTH a stand-alone printer and as a computer-driven printer
- prefer a unit that comes with a case - as my label printer gets fairly heavy use (make that ab-use)
- should have 'reasonable' label making software included
- should not waste large amounts of label tape (my only real complaint with the older PT-1800)
- labels should look good - i.e. not smeared or ragged
- should be reasonable in price

In all these areas, I'd say that the Brother PT-2730VP either meets or exceeds my requirements. On whole, I gave it 5 stars. It's not perfect but I feel it is an excellent value - a great balance of features and price. I'm not aware of any other label printer in this price range that offers better quality than the PT-2730VP.

I'd like to comment on the hard-shell plastic case that comes with this printer, especially since one reviewer was unhappy with it. I certainly understand where that person is coming from - I too have more tape cartridges than will fit in the case. I too would prefer more room for labels. And let's not stop there; while we're at it, I'd also like room for a spare set of batteries. Oh, and scissors. Can't forget the scissors. But all that said, I feel that the case is quite rugged, it protects the printer well, it looks good, and it provides enough space for the basics - i.e. the printer, all cables/adapter and 3-4 large tape cartridges. So it's not a bad case. Again, considering the price, it's a good deal.

The labels are the standard TZ-Tape series used by many Brother models. You can find them lots of places - at least in the basic black on white style. If you want the more exotic types and colors, you'll probably need to order them on-line. Compare these labels to other brands in the same price range and I think you'll be happy with the quality. Cartridges run between $14-$23 depending on style and width.

One advantage this PT-2730VP label printer has over my older PT-1800 is that it is compatible with the "1 inch" wide labels (actually 0.94"). My older printer stopped at the 3/4 inch tape. However, this printer does not print on the 1.5 inch TZ-tape available from Brother.

Another improvement over my older unit is that PT-2730VP wastes far less label tape. All label printers are going to have some wasted tape - but the PT-2730VP does very good job of keeping this to a minimum. On average there is less than an inch of total excess per label. My PT-1800 regular required 3-4 times that amount. Less waste means more labels per cartridge.

The software that comes with this unit is very nice for the price (P-Touch Editor 5.0). It has lots of useful features and is well designed. It installed and ran without a problem on all 3 computers I needed it on: my Windows 7 box at home, my Windows 7 laptop at work, and my XP desktop at work. No errors or crashes have occurred on any of the systems I'm using it on. With this software, you can create and store as many labels as you want. I use my laptop in the field. I've got all my label designs on all 3 machines. Others have provided good photos of the unit itself so I uploaded a capture of the P-Touch Editor screen and a photo of what the label looked like when I printed it use black on yellow. As you can see, graphics/logos are easy to include. The software is fairly intuitive if you've used drawing software before. There's a "Professional" mode for experienced users - and an "Express" mode that is simpler and has fewer choices.

You can also "insert Symbol" - this lets you insert characters from fonts like Wingdings, Dingbats, etc. These can be scaled to any convenient size.

It prints any of about 18-20 different types of bar codes, including the increasingly popular QR Code.

Just about anything can be rotated, scaled, styled, etc.

Tip: Since this is a monotone label printer, importing a graphic such as a logo works best if you start with a black and white version. Avoid images with lots of color and/or gradients/shading and or fine details - you'll be much happier with the results.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful.
Standalone Works Great.
By Buyer
I have not needed to hook this to my pc, so this review is for standalone service only. I have used the Labeler to make numerous labels for cabling and other household devices. The specialty wire/cable labels hold on very well even outdoors throughout the year and the seasons. Label generation is very easy using the keyboard. To save label waste, I prepare all of my wording in advance and turn off the cutter until the last label. When I have finished I use scissors to cut and separate and thereby save a lot of wasted label blank that would be generated if I let the machine cut each one. There are enough built-in fonts to generate tight text or very blocky readable text. Bold or italic, it all worked very well. They keyboard is a little rubbery, but you're making labels, not typing a novel. For standalone it is great. If I can edit this review, I will add to it when / if I use the PC interface. As of now, I would buy again.

***UPDATE*** I finally had occasion to hook the label maker to my pc. I downloaded the latest software from the Brother website. Despite the instructions on the original paper label pasted over the USB port, you actually have to have the label maker powered on and connected to the USB port before you can load the printer driver. The Editor and Updater will load without the label maker connected though. The software works well. I would not call it user friendly, but it can be figured out without a lot of effort. You get more fonts available and it is easier to type on a pc keyboard. It worked very well and I was very pleased to be able to preview many different changes and options far more quickly than when standalone. My feelings stand. Recommended and I would buy again.

18 of 21 people found the following review helpful.
Great Labeler. Terrible Case.
By Intelligentsia
You can buy this labeler with or without the case.

It is hard to imagine how anybody could have designed such an ineffective, clumsy, poorly designed case. What you want to carry with your labeler is a large variety of cartridges. But more than just a few simply will not fit.

The case carefully stores a spare set of batteries, the manual, the power supply, the CD, and the USB cable. But the amount of storage for the tape cartridges is minimal. They could have thought it through and allowed you to store twice as many cartridges as they do. But instead they provided specific places for a second set of batteries and a large power pack (which you don't need since the labeler operates forever on the set within it.

The labeler is otherwise just great. The menus are easy and clear, it can do a lot of things, and it makes great labels. The only missing feature is the ability to change boldness and fonts within a label. The entire label must be the same.

See all 46 customer reviews...