Customer Reviews

Dymo LetraTag QX50 Electronic Labelmaker

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I bought the QX50 to help me get my files more clearly organized, and things like CD cases more neatly labeled. The print size is variable, and I've been able to print a wide range of sizes of type (prior reviewer said he was unable to print larger than 1/8" - he should reread the instructions). I love the fact that not everything needs to be in all caps, and I can print on two lines. The adhesive on the labels seems to be excellent so far, and I really couldn't be happier with my purchase!

I have always wanted an electronic label maker, so I finally ended up buying the QX50. It has a lot of features that make it nice. It has four different print sizes - the first three are 1/8" height, in varying widths, and the large mode is 3/16" height. It has a two line mode, which shrinks the type so that both lines occupy 3/16" height, combined. It is capable of printing in various type styles, including reversed, which is very handy when using the clear tape which is available. The metallic tape is useful for outdoor applications, and the plastic tape is very versatile. The paper tape is more economical, and handy for labeling folders, etc. I have used this label maker for everything from labeling my mailbox, to video tapes, electrical plugs underneath our aquarium, cable lines coming into our splitter/amplifier, etc.

I bought this for implementing 'Getting Things Done' after a bit of on-line research. I chose it because the local selection of tapes was good, and the paper tape is 1/2 the price of plastic, and most of my applications are indoors. I also liked the QWERTY layout and reasonable price.

Update: I found it on sale here for $12.99! (paid $29.99 at Staples because I didn't want to wait.)

Minor quibbles:

o If the batteries are low the print constrast is not good. (Their web site cleared this up.)

o Tape choices at local store not great - black on white paper, black on clear plastic, black on white plastic. But still worth it.

o You have to push the keys all the way down, and pause between presses or they don't take. Plus, there's no sound for feedback.

o It took a while to figure out why I couldn't get the largest size to take - 'error 2'. Turns out you can't have any characters inputted to select it!

I own two of these QX50 label makers. I love everything about them except for the quality of the label tape. I got spoiled by Brother's TZ tape which is awesome. Dymo's tape is easier to work with (peels easily), but it is nowhere near as tough.
*Example #1: I labeled a cake carrier with my name using Brother TZ tape and have washed it many times using soap and hot water, and the label remains dark and stuck. I won't even waste my time trying that with the Dymo labels. I use the Dymo labels (I've tried the paper labels and the laminated ones) on folders and 3-ring binders, and they wear off after just a short time. *Example #2 - On Rubbermaid storage bins, Dymo labels curl off after a short while. Very annoying. I have several Rubbermaid containers I labeled with Brother TZ labels years ago that are still completely stuck just like day one. Bottom line: The QX50 is a great label maker but the Dymo labels are nowhere near as good as Brother's TZ labels. Too bad Dymo doesn't make a labeler that uses Brother TZ labels. (I switiched from Brother because their labeler broke. But, I hear that the Brother devices are much better now.)

Folks, I did an obsessive amount of research comparing Brother, Casio and Dymo lablemakers for run-of-the-mill household labeling and the QX50 was the one I choose. So far it has been absolutely fine.

My sister bought this model for her home business. I used it when I was helping her get organized and never had a problem with it. I'm ordered it for myself as well and also did a ton of research online. It's a great starter model with good prices on refill labels. I highly recommend it.

I bought the this manufacturer label maker specifically because they make iron on labels. After just one wash the labels for my child's clothes are already fading! I am curious if anyone else has this experience. For me it has not worked as anticipated and has been a let down.

I'll try not to call this machine what I want to call it. I bought this to label the drawers on a large tool box. Amazon got it here the next day after ordering it, but that was the best part. I read the instrutions well, and printed the first "Screwdrivers" label within minutes. Then "Box Wrenches" and "Open Wrenches" just dandy. After affixing the 3rd label I returned to the machine to start the next one. The QX50 would NOT accept any input. I removed the batteries for 5 minutes like the instructions said then re-installed them. Still no input, the the QX50 started to print out "000HE 001HE 010HE 100HE 101HE 111P" Ok I thought. Again it wil not accept input. So I adjusted it with a 1lb. hand sledge hammer and slid it in the trash can. Some things are just JUNK.

I also bought this device after the GTD book. That was the first one I found in the store. I regret I bought this particular device. There are two major issues each cost some stars in review and 3 minor issues:

1. MAJOR. If you try to delete the whole phrase to type into a new one, you will restore all manufacturer settings for the device. That means the font size and width will be set to the maximum one. There is no way to clear the screen by pressing one combination of buttons without this side effect. To keep your settings you need to delete each symbol one by one. Period. I worked on it hard, there is no such an option. It is just terribly inconvenient and cost 2 stars from my review. It will not bother those who like the most wide fonts that eat all your tape very fast though.

2. MAJOR. Dymo paper tape is of a not very good quality. It does not stay on folders pretty much and if you implement a reference system from GTD, you are going to use folder pretty often. It will make labels to come unstuck and look ugly. Cost one star of my review. You can fix it buying more expensive plastic tapes as I do.

3. MINOR. Tape is cut not even. It has a clear angle on my device. It does not look too accurate. Maybe you will be more lucky with cuts...

4. MINOR. Tapes are expensive. I payed $6 or more for a plastic tape. You can buy 2 of paper tapes for $7+ but they suck. It is funny when a tape price is comparable with the device price.

5. MINOR but bothering. It has a CapsLock though it does not have a shift (I mean normal Shift, not what they call Shift) button that will allow you to print capital letters without Caps Locking.

The device has many options for choosing different fonts and pretty symbols like a heart sigh or whatever. It has 4 different setting for width of fonts and many settings for different shapes. The print and cut buttons are very convenient. You may buy it if you want to though I do not recommend.

Next time if I would have to buy one, I will look for another brand.

I bought this labelmaker mainly to organize my folders based on David Allen's GTD system.

The device itself is very simple and does what I want it to--print labels. The primary advantage of this particular model over, say, the Brother models, is the labels that it uses. Overall, it's very hard to find non-plastic Brother labels. While they look nice, they cost an arm and a leg. Also, many other brand label are hard to peel. On this one, as long as you figure out the trick of slightly bending it down the middle (lengthwise), it's very quick and easy to remove the backing.

Oh, and its label cutter also works pretty well and actually slices through the labels (looking at you, low-end Brother models).

Overall, most labelmakers, unless you're looking for something very specialized, will work at least in terms of its printing. The advantage of this one is its cheaper labels and hassle free handling of them.