That thing is a beast. Heavy metal. Reliable but not easy to set-up initially. Good if you’re running a business, high volume, fast printing, lots of shipping lables, etc.
And, yes, they probably were connected to a Vax at some point in history 
But, but, no ridiculous locked-in supplies!
That Zebra is a great printer, came out around 5 years ago. Their stuff is expensive, as are the parts, but they are just beasts. Very cool. That Brady keyboard would drive me up a wall, lol.
I think longer than that, I’ve had that one for 10+ years. 170XiIII+. And, purchased it in a well loved condition. But, it’s been rock solid, usb-a upgraded to a network card.
Come to think of it, actually, the wall socket melted … probably from our wonderful power we have. That was repaired but it’s been good since.
Oops, typo. That’s supposed to say 15, not 5.
The keyboard is infuriating but the Brady linen cable labels are first class.
Yea, right. That’s what I’m saying.
Of course it’s a problem. The problem is the “having to” part. The company can also just adjust their tactics, and find better ways to be shady, you know, lean into it. Anyways…
This is just a thread to point it out to people, so they can avoid buying it, and don’t have to go through “having a problem with the product” in the first place.
I figured the “not buying it” part was the obvious suggestion. That’s essentially the only option anyway, aside from telling others…
Thanks for the suggestions. I’ve heard of the zebra brand, but not eltron (same thing?). I’m already way too deep into “label printer” research. I just want quality, and functional (for what I’d need). I don’t want to spend ten times the amount on labels for no reason. Etc.
Dude, why so many label printers?
That oragne brother line is one I’ve looked at. I seems a lot of tradesmen (electrical) like this one, or this type. And I’ve seen those Brady ones too. I don’t like the non-qwerty either.
I thought I was gonna just be able to get one for $50-100cad, but I’m not sure they aren’t all junk at that price point.
The epson ones “sound” good, as far as features, and warranty… I don’t know much about them other than that. Oh, the label waste on the epson seems minimal compared to every other one I’ve seen to this point.
IDPRT is supposed to be a good brand too.
But some of these are mainly for big shipping labels and stuff like that. I don’t realy need that ability, just for tagging stuff, bins, containers, tools, cables probably.
I’d like one that prints the text on the underside of a “laminate” layer, so the text is protected. Some don’t do that.
i just got a wifi label maker off the zon. it was pretty cheap. super small and you use your phone to set up the print. it can do a tape and cut or lables of a preset length. it just takes tape though. they have more expensive ones that with more options.
I just don’t agree. While I don’t nessesscarily consider it a smart business move, it’s far from “shady.” When you look at the features of their printers, like you would if looking to buy one, they clearly state, “ONLY WORKS WITH AUTHENTIC DYMO LABELS” in all caps. Some will be perfectly fine with that, and some won’t. Since they are very clear and upfront with that information, I really have no issues with it.
As a business, they make much of their money on media sales. Allowing 3rd party companies to undercut them and sell the media for their machines does not make great business sense. After all, when all those cheap label manufacturers sell labels, Dymo doesn’t make a cent. I would bet they will make more money selling their proprietary labels then they will lose from the people that don’t buy their products because of the proprietary labels so from a business perspective, it makes perfect sense. Or at least I would think they ran the numbers and drew that conclusion. If it doesn’t I am betting they will change their ways.
Edit: Don’t get me wrong though, I understand why some would not be happy about it 
The orange Brother one is my favorite for general duties. It does waste some label, though. But, there is a thriving grey market for the cassettes that are relatively inexpensive. Brother does seem to give you good value for the dollar whether it be laser printers, label machines, or the whatnot.
The large printer is ‘industrial’ for packaging and shipping and stuff. Not really for typical home use.