The ULTIMATE Label Printer for Network Infrastructure - Brother PT-E550W

[@camerongray1515]

Buy the Brother PT-E550W on Amazon (Affiliate): geni.us/BzOiME

[@ryanmason491]

Me - "who on earth is going to watch a label printing video for 50mins?" *boils kettle and sits down*

[@stephenlister6476]

Yup - got a coffee and sat down.

[@TonyNeat]

I watched it last week, purchased the printer and just watched it again. Send help 😆

[@thejasonparker]

I now have label printer envy, which is something I never thought existed before watching this 😂

[@salmanrashid6245]

I have many label printers....LOL...including this one.

[@aRndBelgianGuy]

@@salmanrashid6245 I have 3. And you ? :D

[@pb_y43]

Never thought I would watch 50mins of label printer

[@karan_hiremath]

What I love about products like this is that you can tell some engineer at Brother just absolutely loves using labels and has created such an amazing product for doing so with such well thought out features that improve the quality of life

[@JackStrips]

"I even labelled my label printer"... everyone knows it's label printer law to do this XD Fellow 550W owner and lover of a labelled patch panel and cable, honestly the best label printer I've had in a long time! Highly recommended bit of kit. Also the amazon knockoff cartridges are decent too at a decent price

[@travisash8180]

Did Cameroon labelled his cat ? I think he did.

[@dwgray9000]

The best label I ever did was one to tell people to turn the damn thing off.

[@tookitogo]

18:24 FYI to owners of cheaper P-touch models: many have a version of this function, too, called “chain print”, which doesn’t cut the label after printing, but rather only when you print the next one. This eliminates the big off-cut on every label except the first one. You then just have to tell it to eject and cut the final label, just like shown here.

[@labbiee]

You have given me the desire to buy a label printer and then label everything I own :D

[@travisash8180]

Did Cameroon labelled his Japanese toilet ? I think he did.

[@adammiller7648]

Just wanted to let you know that you are the only KZbinr I have notifications turned on for. I watch LTT basically everyday and am always researching tech stuff, but I always learn something from yours. Every single one of your videos is something I've thought about or researched to apply to my own projects and work.

[@camerongray1515]

Thank you so much! I have an absolute tonne of stuff in the pipeline so stay tuned for more! 😁

[@JBR.1974]

@@camerongray1515looking forward to seeing more, lots of your sutff has inspired me over the past year or so

[@garywoo3]

I snapped one of these up for £20 on facebook marketplace a few years ago, with labels! It's one of my favourite purchases ever.

[@frederific]

Fellow E550W fan here! Managed to snag mine for £100 early 2020, and use it loads at home, work (telecoms) and volunteering (radiocomms). The punchdown block option is for American-style 66/110 blocks, the vast majority of analogue telecoms in UK/EU is on Krone blocks, which have a strip for a paper designation strip, no label required. There is an option for "infrastructure mode" WiFi in the menu, which lets you connect to a standard AP as a client rather than needing the WiFi Direct AP Mode

[@supermrt]

I spent years trying to reduce the waste on every brother printer I ran into. You must have years of experience with this printer, thank you for your knowledge - very helpful vid.

[@xantam23]

We just bought that thing a week ago, at work. A plus is also that Brother labels are laminated. And I can bring it home with me, since I only got the small version, the E110.

[@djvincon]

I did some research. Here in the Netherlands there are two versions/kits: pt-e550WVP and the pt-e550WSP. The WSP seems to be the telco, networking kit and includes 4 tapes and when looking at the brother website has instruction videos for these type of applications. The WVP comes with 2 tapes included and is described for installers and industrial use. So the only difference is the tapes. The WVP comes with: TZe-S651 (24mm Black/Yellow Strong Adhesive 8m), TZe-FX231 (12mm Black/White Flexible ID 8m) The WSP comes with: 24 mm zwart op geel gelamineerd TZe-651 tape (8mtr), 24 mm zwart op wit gelamineerd TZe-251 tape (8mtr), 18 mm zwart op wit gelamineerd TZe-241 tape (8mtr), 12 mm zwart op wit flexi ID tape gelamineerd TZe-FX231 (8mtr) So looking at that the WSP includes the two tapes from WVP (TZe-S651 and TZe-FX231) + two extra: TZe-251, TZe-241. TZe-S651 - Weatherproof, chemical and sun resistant etc. TZe-FX231 - Specialized for PVC, and other curved surfaces TZe-251 is for example described as a perfect label for office or workspace labeling The TZe-241 is described for Flashdrives, folders and kabels

[@jordesclark]

I've had one of these for years, very powerful and simple to use. I work in quarrying, very heavy industry and harsh environments. It's never skipped a beat! Rarely use the connectivity and phone app though, perfectly useful from the keypad!

[@pproba]

If you haven't figured this out yet: you can also connect the label printer to your home wifi. If you're mainly using it at home, this is more convenient than connecting to the printer's hotspot.

[@joshuajgaming]

I have the Brother P-Touch E300 (The cheaper, less feature rich version of the E550W) and absolutley love it. Its my go-to device for labeling anything. So easy and convineient to use!

[@mjscpr]

I have the same one but now will upgrade to the 550. The 300, with no connectivity whatsoever, is a bit too limited after a while - for me.

[@mbirth]

I've got the brother CUBE Pro which is just the (portable and rechargeable battery-powered) printer without any inputs on the device itself. But via the mobile or desktop apps, it can do the same things. If you want really fancy labels, get coloured ones on transparent background and use them on top of the normal ones to get multi-coloured labels.

[@leapofshed]

Tool-station has this on sale right now for £129 💸

[@JBR.1974]

I ordered tonight. Discount code too for £10 off. XPLDM24

[@50cts]

I love mine but the app is unfortunately a bit outdated. It deserves a good bit of love from Brother. Also they should finally change to USB-C for both charging and data.

[@JamesTenniswood]

I don't need it, but now I definitely want it! Nice video ❤

[@norwegiangadgetman]

Lover the PT-E550W. Have one at the office. Worth it! There's fabric tapes that's iron-on (good for marking kit that comes in gfabric bags such as Ryobi tool bags, the network scanner and so on. Even shrink-wrap tapes. I have a few 24mm wide tapes in my desk drawer at the office that I bought with my own money because the pTouch I have at home can't take larger than 18mm. 6mm tape fits REALLY nicely on the spine of CD covers... The only annoying thing with it is that it only takes TZe tapes, not the older TZ tapes that we used in the previous printer. On my provate printer I have it set to NOT cut after printing a label. It only cuts if I select the scissors, or print another label. On 1U servers and network kit, I print the label with 8 - 10 blank spaces, then the unit name twice with 3 spaces between them. Then I fold the label in the middle of the 3space to create a 'whip'. Basically a 'Cable flag' but with one bare end to stick onto the kit. (Remove the backing along one edge for easier alignment, then pull out the second part afterwards to finish sticking the two sides to each other) On Cisco and other kit that has rack mounting brackets that screws onto the sides of the box, I place the long end of the label onto the kit and screw on the bracket afterwards.

[@rschrader]

Excellent demo and feature walk thru!

[@kiserleti4d4s]

37:43 Just a small addtion, you can set up the label maker to join your office/ws/home wifi. So you can access it from phone or pc like a "real" printer

[@EddyCarroll]

Fantastic in-depth review! You answered every single question I had. My last Brother printer cost me €25 in 2004 and is still going strong, but it might finally be time for an upgrade.

[@JakeHillion]

I'm sold - thanks for the detailed review as always!

[@rickwookie]

Wish this review was around when I bought my Dymo Rhino printer years back. It has nearly all the same features, except the qwerty layout and that killer half-cut feature. I have to keep a small pair of sharp scissors in my hard case! Also, the calibration for the fixed length multiples is slightly off, so I have to put a slightly different length to actual in to get patch panel label strip to stay aligned all the way to port 24.

[@kuztomized]

Very thorough and informative review - thanks! I have a different Brother model, and never understood why High Resolution is only available from the desktop app, as it makes small text much crisper, so it is useful even if not printing images

[@waifulhu9898]

as someone who hates the company practices and planned obsolescence of normal home a4 printers, seeing something like this that's been designed so consumer friendly and versatility to accommodate easy replacements like the battery and tape as well as well priced is so stunning it makes me want to leave a tip to brother after buying one

[@waifulhu9898]

UPDATE: it just keeps getting better further into the video just when it thought there were enough great features and I ended up buying one before the video even finished lmao

[@England91]

From what I've seen across the web over the years their normal home printer/scanners are the still usable even the old drivers

[@hgbugalou]

There are some pretty good 3D prints for tape cart containers for cold storage. I have a large arsenal because I too am a labler. 🤣

[@djp_video]

Take a look at some of the Epson LabelWorks printers. They do everything you demonstrated here, but some also have the ability to rewind the label before printing to virtually eliminate the wasted tape between labels (down to 1 mm). It cuts the per-label cost way down. I used the Brother label printers for years until I tried the Epson LW-PX700 and I've never looked back; the Brother solutions are quite archaic in comparison.

[@citrusrepairs]

25:45 ROT 90 ? Oh come on it’s “ROTATE 90 degrees” Obvious. I hope Brother have sent you a free Label Printer as everyone who never thought they ever needed a fancy label printer, now has one on their wish list!

[@steffiiizh]

Thanks for this video, you seriously upgraded my labelling life! It's so much better now.

[@michaelknight2342]

I have the pt-d800w. Got it on ebay for about 300€ a while back. Using it as a network printer with a philips HUE socket. Mainly picked it over the p950nw to have the option to use the keyboard module (connects over a standard mini USB cable) should i ever need to use it outside my network. While it doesn't have an ethernet jack, you can set it to power on when it gets plugged in, and connect to a known wifi ssid. From what I can tell, the difference between the stationary and handheld printers is the print resolution. Basically, if you print a lot of tiny labels (~5-7pt font sizes) and "high resolution" graphics, they might be interesting. Though you'll have to use your own scissors to cut the label pieces to their final size, since the minimum distance between cuts seems to be 4mm. If you just want to label racks and panels, the smaller handhelds are more than enough.

[@b2gills]

I find the barcode feature is what I use on my P-touch Edge PT-E300. It is nice to be able to put a barcode on our rentals so that when we go to check people out on the POS terminal we don't have to type the code out ourselves. I have to admit that after seeing this video I have a little bit of buyers remorse as mine only goes to 18mm, and it doesn't have any way to connect to another device.

[@dazaspc]

They are not bad at all and have been around for many years. I bought my first one in 94 it connected with a COM cable. Not this model of course but had many of its features. It wasn't cheap back then though it was $1200 aus and you couldn't get tapes other than original. On my 4th now and have the same model. Previously I used to get A4 sticker blank sheets and print the labels on those. Cutting out labels was a chore but it got me started. It cost me over the years but in the early days I think it got me a lot of return business. I must be label obcessed though as I have used it to label everything from Spark plug wires, pneumatic logic hoses to even hydraulic hoses but for those I covered them with clear adhesive heat shrink. They work surprisingly well in that app.

[@MrSkyl1ne]

I have absolutely no use for this, but I want it.

[@z_polarcat]

I think the transferred template doesn’t print the same is because the font used isn’t installed in the printer

[@dvdallison]

absolutely brilliant vid on the printer. Thank you very much for your time making this vid 👍

[@JBR.1974]

mine has arrived, and man its a beast...but its awesome....now to watch the video again to learn how to use it

[@BrianMartin2007]

Edit: oh, I didn't wait long enough for your video to mention the heat shrink stuff LOL Two things: "Half-Cut" means the cut on the backing in the middle, if thats off, at least on mine, and the desk one I used at my old job, it won't cut down the middle of the back of the label. two; You can get rolls of heatshrink tubing that can be printed on with these.. Super neat!

[@utiniposungu1221]

Absolutely great video in every aspect. 👍👍👍

[@Metodisten]

I have this one too. One of my best purchases. If you want this but want to cheap out, there is one with manual cutter. But the auto cutter is worth the extra money and I am gland I went for the one you have

[@katelights]

I have had one of these for a few years, and I agree its brilliant. I didn't know about the flexible id tape for cable wraps, ill have to get some of that because i have experienced them coming off and even delaminating. I also have a PT-P750W in my office. its like this printer but with no interface (and doesnt do heatshrink) so phone or pc app use only. but its great to have plugged in on the desk and be able to grab it and go do some labels somewhere with laptop or phone

[@aglandorf75]

We got this label printer and used these cable flag and it's a pain to put it on. Now I know that we can use the other method. Thank you!

[@aurthorthing7403]

I love Brother stuff... It's one of the last companies that builds things with longevity in mind.

[@MikeHawke]

you might actually mention it but i skipped abit because i already have this device.... but....yknow theres a measuring card in with the instruction booklet for patch panels, modules, etc don't you ?

[@JBR.1974]

love comments like this

[@ka24det]

I have no need for this but I WANT IT SO BAD NOW.

[@JBR.1974]

Another awesome video It’s not often I order instantly basis a video but I did here as these labels are awesome.

[@hgbugalou]

I own this printer. Its great. The serialization option is so great once you figure out how to use it. I do wish they had tape carts for label flags with less sticky adhesive as I use them often for temporarily IDing cables/wires.

[@camerongray1515]

My trick for "less sticky" labels is to first stick the label to my tshirt or some other sort of similar fabric - the fibres that stick to it will significantly reduce the stickiness while still leaving it just sticky enough to still work as a temporary label.

[@tookitogo]

@@camerongray1515Yep! Been using that trick for both labels and (ordinary unprinted) sticky tape for years and years!

[@tookitogo]

9:41 The detect holes on the bottom are only half the story. There are also holes on the side of the cartridge, read by pins just opposite the printhead. I’ve found that third-party cartridges sometimes have the wrong encoding, especially on the side-detected holes. I’ve gotten some that won’t work in the advanced P-touch models like this one that detect all the holes, because the combination of bottom and side holes are not valid. But they do work in cheaper p-touch models that only read one set of holes or the other, but not both!

[@alonzosmith6189]

On my to do list to get a Brother label maker

[@Whoop0]

ffs Cameron. Why did I watch this, now I want one - £200 though!

[@salat]

Price search for the cheaper kit: PTE550WSPUR1

[@Kwaka_jack]

They are on offer at Toolstation at the moment. £130

[@Whoop0]

@@Kwaka_jack You beauty, ordered with Quidco cashback too, thank you very much.

[@JBR.1974]

@@Whoop0hope you iused the £10 off voucher too

[@Whoop0]

@@JBR.1974 Sadly not, didn't see until after I'd ordered. Oh well, very happy with the purchase!

[@lookitsahorner]

Woo! Long awaited label printer video👀

[@wzjc4]

thanks for the review!! but the camera out focus is killing my eye🤣

[@JBR.1974]

looks like this video and all the respective comments has caused Toolstation to sell ALL their stock for deliery and nothing in stock in Essex for collection now either....glad I saw this when I did

[@DmnkRocks]

The only Brother Product I can recommend atm. (mostly because of their RFID Chips in their larger label printers) have this - the best

[@Standbackforscience]

Thanks for doing this walkthrough, we just got one for the office and we love it, we're labelling _everything_.

[@aaronletchford]

Brilliant video, one thing is to note the polarity of the power adaptor is reversed the pin is - and the outer is +, why they did this I'd never know

[@aaronletchford]

Wasn't going to watch it I was thinking 50 minutes 🤦, but enjoyed it, and learn from the video, iv got a brother E300, still a great printer 👍🏻

[@_Steven_S]

Indeed. Label the charger with a fluro orange "⚠️ centre -ve"

[@xConundrumx]

Not bad but personally (and yes I do realize there is quite a big difference in price) I decided to go for a more professional approach. A printer that can use labels with additional transparent lamination attached to it. Same idea, it wraps around the cable but with the added protection from the transparent lamination. It also does a lot of other labels like asset labels and even miniature labels for marking components on custom pcbs.

[@markstanchin1692]

Have you found any good databases to use for networking ect?

[@aaronletchford]

Another thing worth knowing other than the polarity of the charger being reversed, is the data is still available on the cartridge ribbon 😊

[@RickyT15]

If I ever get one I would probably just sort a case myself longterm. Just need a case bix you like and a decent bit of foam. Cut the spaces yourself from the foam insert and sorted.

[@makermatthew]

Was going to mention that Toolstation has these on offer but someone beat me to it :)

[@wjnr1]

Love your informative video’s only one thing wrong with them you don’t make enough lol

[@StephenHoldaway]

If you're cheap like me, don't mind having max 12mm wide tape, no auto cutter and are comfortable with a bit of code, you can pick up a PTouch Cube and send arbitrary bitmaps to it over Bluetooth from Python. The phone app also works in a pinch, but being able to do literally anything is quite nice. Probably not a sensible solution for industrial/commerical use, but it's cheap, and the app has decent layout options (including chaining prints, just without the cutting)

[@richyread2011]

Thank you for the detailed review - very helpful and I’m now very much looking forward to using my swanky new machine in anger shortly 😅 You mentioned in the piece that you have had good experiences with some 3rd party tapes/cartridges - the first half dozen or so I’ve had over the last week are winging their way back to Amazon/refund etc. (Various issues; Shorter than advertised lengths, mismatched colours, or simply missing quantity) Would you be able to share some quick pointers (or perhaps a link) to ones you’ve had success with? Cheers!

[@tookitogo]

38:14 The new PT-E560BT eschews WiFi in favor of Bluetooth, which should solve that problem. (And it switches to USB-C for charging and PC connection.)

[@TheJoaolyraaraujo]

I have the same printer. You can also use the printer WiFi to connect to your home ssid, not using the function to direct connect to the printer.

[@grumps5940]

I have no actual need for this but I want one.

[@MikeKobb]

Well, fantastic. I literally *just* un-boxed my new PT-E550W and Brother has come out with the PT-E560BTVP, which connects via Bluetooth instead of Wi-Fi. Sigh.

[@salat]

Got one of these awesome printers in 2020, paid €121,- incl. shipping from the big A. Exact kit name of mine is PTE550WSPUR1 - can still be bought for

[@pedrosmits]

A clear heat shrink makes even better durable labels. First stick an rap around, and cover it up with the clear shrink tube.

[@TA-8895]

Hello mate, wondering if you could tell us or point us in the right direction, for the Flexible ID cartridges you mentioned you don't always use the original genuine brand ones for the flexi ID ones it seems much more difficult to find them online any pointers or any help would be appreciated!

[@drstefankrank]

Aw snap, i bought another model for my company recently that doesn't do auto-cut or cable wraps and now I cannot justify why I need another one.

[@tinydoorstudios9167]

do you happen to have a link to the fx tape? im struggling. to find anything but "laminated"

[@tookitogo]

Look at 24:21 and you’ll see the actual part number for that flexible ID tape. That series is TZe-FXnnn. Search for that instead. The Brother website also has a PDF overview of all the available tapes for the TZe system (TZe, HSe, HGe, STe) This printer can use TZe and HSe (heat shrink tubing).

[@arva1kes]

I believe pt710 is soething for home user that makes the same result, but only phone or pc can be used as interface. It costs around 100. App seems same.

[@JBR.1974]

not sure if the 710 needs tobe hardwired, but at £120 from Toolstation with the code....its a win win for me...got mine today and already leanrnign a lot from comments here

[@arva1kes]

​@@JBR.1974it works with usb or bluetooth connection

[@_Steven_S]

For patch cables I use the colour to denote the length and then ID wrap each end with a letter. I have a number of templates set up in the app using the built in data source so can easily change the scheme if I need more than 26 of the same length in the same rack. 4 characters works well on 12mm tape. Installations that are poorly cable managed with "this server connects to this switch port" cables instead of reconfiguring the switch and having good cable management 🤦

[@stephenlister6476]

Great review.

[@nekolivegaming]

Ya know, Here ive been running around with my Dymo Lmng. 160, when i could have been using this thing, would have saved me so many headaces like limited characters so i cant print a full length label for a regular full length European Fusebox. I gotta pick up one of these

[@bamboelaa]

Can you show the quality difference between normal prints and high quality prints?

[@diogor420]

Loved the video!

[@carmp3fan]

But did you add a tiny label to label your label printer label?

[@gl1tcheddatabase270]

So we have one of these printers in my work place. I bought some third party 24mm tape for the printer and when putting it in, the back cover will not close down on it properly. I also bought an official one just in case and i have the same issue on that one too. I can get it to close on one side, but the other side does not clip into place properly even though it is compatible with this size. I know it's a long shot, but hopefully soemeone sees this and can point me in the right direction?

[@espressomatic]

If I'm spending US $250 on a label printer, I'm also throwing the box it comes with away and putting it in my own drawer-sliding box with custom foam inserts. As it stands, I've got a $40 knock-off of a Brother that uses the same tapes.

[@tookitogo]

Why? The blow-molded case it comes with is pretty decent.

[@user-oj2wg9fe7r]

Isn't always just the way ! The have just launched the PT-E310BTVP with Bluetooth and USB-C.

[@camerongray1515]

Interesting, looks decent although it's more of an upgrade to the PT-E300 rather than the PT-E550 since it only takes tapes up to 18mm (vs 24mm on this one) and lacks the automatic cutter. Although maybe this means that an upgrade to the PT-E550 is around the corner!

[@EightBitShift]

@@camerongray1515 You are right, it’s the PT-E560, I missed the smaller tape size and the auto cutter on the PT-E310.

[@truckerallikatuk]

I got a far cheaper one for about a fifth the cost of this one. Only things it doesn't have is the auto tape detect and it can't do the thick ones. Still an absolute gift for labling ports on my patch panel, and cables too if you don't mind a flappy style label.

[@tookitogo]

This Brother also does half-cutting, which no cheap models do.

[@theharnessshop1619]

Hi. I am interested with this particular model but does it have a Print Density Function like the Epson LW-Z700FK have?

[@IamDoQtorNo]

What are the kits he is teferring to (electric or network)? Do they come with or do they require sep purchase?

[@camerongray1515]

When you buy these, they come as part of a "bundle" which includes the printer, power adapter, USB cable, case and a few tapes. The different bundles are sold under different names "Network Infrastructure" or "Electrician" but this seems to just dictate which tapes are included. I don't think you can just buy the printer on its own.

[@djvincon]

Look at my other comment. I have found the difference. Well,, the lack off :P

[@pkirill123]

I’m a big fan of the E550W, but take a look at the Epson LW-PX700…

[@mbe102]

That multi-battery option is a great selling point in and of itself. How are the prices on the tape casettes?

[@camerongray1515]

Official Brother tapes are relatively expensive (Around £13 for an 8m tape) but you can get aftermarket tapes for much less (Around £15 for a pack of 5x 8m tapes). Quality can sometimes be a but hit-or-miss with the cheap tapes and I've had them get a bit tangled requiring re-threding from time to time, but the savings are often worth it.

[@rchaffer]

What was the wall-mounted disk with the spirit level?

[@camerongray1515]

It's the base for a Nest thermostat - unlike the US models where all control wiring connects to the base, in the UK (and possibly the rest of Europe) most of the wiring connects to the "Heat Link" device which talks to the thermostat wirelessly. The only connection to the wall thermostat itself is either a 12v DC connection (as shown here) or a Micro USB power supply.

[@moth.monster]

Sometimes I think about buying a label printer... then i just use masking tape and a sharpie.

[@ci1ian806]

And than I can’t read my writing and start thinking about buying a label printer

[@andljoy]

Is it just me that wonders why the white on black tapes are more expensive than the black on white ? On that i have a lower end dymo and buy the clone white on black tapes. To me they feel like they are better as they are easy to peal and stick better than the official ones.

[@Sebastian-ur7lg]

I think the Brady M210 is a good buy if you want something a bit cheaper but of quality

[@tookitogo]

Last time I looked, it seemed like Brady’s consumables were even more expensive than Brother’s. Has that changed?

[@HorseWithNoName-kn3fk]

@@tookitogoNo. They still are expensive. The 210 I see now won’t use 3rd party labels. I’m still use my discontinued BMP21-Plus. It can accept 3rd party labels less than half the price. Especially the PermaSleeve labels.

[@djvincon]

Maby I missed it but can it do QR codes?

[@JBR.1974]

yesit can via the app...not worked how to get the data into it yet though

[@JBR.1974]

now ive tested, yes you can...I installed the windows printer drivers (over wifi) and then used a fee wifi QR code generator (as I couldnt work out how to do that fully on the printer or in the app...so added the saved PNG to label in windows apop and voila...perfectly comaptible QR code...albeit it a bit small on the 12mm tape I had in at the time

[@tookitogo]

For what it’s worth, it appears the updated model, the PT-E560BT, can do QR codes without a computer. If I’m understanding its extremely limited user manual correctly, that is. :/

[@pineappleroad]

I personally prefer Mini USB over Micro USB (athough i could be biast as i have a number of devices that use that connector type)

[@orfeous]

We use that one aswell but also other Brother models. I can recommend you Brady M611 printer. Works with Bluetooth and Wifi. Check it out!

[@DrLamalama]

I wish i could turn off the empty space in the beginning. It just makes no sense. The cartridge doesn't need to be primed or such. It could just start printing right away. I think the reason is that, if you print a really short label, you will have trouble getting it out of the printer. That longer piece helps with that. But they could just add the blank space in the end if needed. If i print a batch of labels, i dont need that at all. Its such a waste. I dont get it. Just give me the option.

[@camerongray1515]

Unfortunately the blank part is due to the design of the tapes and to remove it would require a complete redesign of the tape cartridge and may not even be possible with the type of label technology that Brother use. The print head sits in the gap where the tape is sitting out exposed, then after this the tape passes across the final roller where the backing is applied and the whole label is finally laminated together. The empty piece of label is required to feed the printed section of the label through the lamination part before it is then cut off. Big Clive made an excellent video going into detail on how the Brother labels work: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWO2g5iGhMxnjK8

[@blakecasimir]

Comprehensive as always Cameron. But a more inexpensive alternative suggestion would be nice!

[@playingwithdata]

The lower end models can often be found for sub-100 quid from places like screwfix. I picked up the E300VP for £60 or so last year. It will only do 18mm tape but apart from that is broadly equivalent to the 550 barring the wifi app side of things. It does the various cable wrap/flag/consumer-unit blocks etc.

[@blakecasimir]

​@@playingwithdataThanks for that suggestion! I suspect that'll cover a LOT of what most folks would want.

[@camerongray1515]

The E300 would be the next logical step down from this, although as others have said, it only takes tapes up to 18mm and doesn't have the automatic cutter or "half cut" feature of the E550W or the USB/App features which can be useful for adding graphics/logos to labels. The next step down from that would be the Brother E110 which only goes up to 12mm tapes but still supports the patch panel and cable wrap side of things if you're happy with being limited to 12mm tapes.