Epson LabelWorks LW-300 Review

The EPSON LW-300 is a very handy organizational tool. From labeling tea canisters to office files, it’s definitely a product that is multipurpose and versatile.

Key Features:

The Epson LabelWorks LW-300 is a portable, handheld label printer for creating extraordinary professional looking labels at home or in the office. The LW-300 offers a range of symbols, frames and fonts, and works with many tapes to address a wide variety of labeling needs such as file/binder/storage organization, iron-on clothing labels, safety and warning labels, gift tags, scrapbook labels and much more.

– Choose from 14 font types and 10 font styles
– Built-in memory stores up to 30 label design files
– Prints up to two lines of text
– Accommodates tapes from 6 mm (~1/4 inch) to 12 mm (~1/2 inch) wide
– Varied tape sizes and colors including unique, specialty labels:
– Work and home safety label tapes (fluorescent colors, reflective glow-in-the-dark, etc)
– Iron-on clothing labels
– Decorative tapes for scrapbooking

Over 300 symbols and 75+ frames for use in several categories, including office, safety, household, food, sports, measurement, electrical, etc.

The labeler requires 6 AAA batteries, which does not come in the box upon purchase. They are a must to have on hand since it does not come with an AC adaptor. That is an optional purchase.

The tape itself comes in a variety of colors and widths. The tape cassette included in the box is a 12 mm Black on White tape.

Initial set up of the printer is very simple. It was a matter was a quick button push, cartridge drop in, and cover replacement. No more than a 5 second install. I have owned labelers before, and what I noticed with this newer tape design the backing comes apart in 2 pieces…horizontally across the middle of the tape, making the removal of the backing simple. Also, there is minimal wasted tape. The lead in and lead out ends of the tape are much shorter, resulting in less wasted tape.

The instructions make labeling quite a bit easier. Initially I jumped right in hoping that intuition would kick in and the labels would print themselves! With so many more functions I did have to refer to the User’s Guide quite often.  The project at hand was organizing my tea/coffee cupboard. The final result was perfection. I used labels to designate tea/coffee varieties.

PROS:
1. Unbelievable amount of graphics! A SYMBOL LIST is included in the box making choosing your desired graphic that much easier. 89 frames and 300+ symbols to choose from.
2. Graphics and border chosen actually show up on the screen. There is NO second guessing if you have actually hit the right buttons in terms of graphics.
3. You are able to save a file with the push of a few buttons.
4. There is a warning that shows up on the display if your lettering is longer than your frame.

CONS:
1. No AC Adaptor
2. The keys are small and very close together making it difficult for those with larger finger pads to type.
3. Once the back of the unit is opened, the batteries fall out very easily.
4. The text is not very crisp, but definitely an improvement from older models.

I would say overall I am completely satisfied with the product. There are so many uses for the labeler, and I have only touched the surface.

The LabelWorks LW-300 sells for $39.99.

Ana is a writer for Jen is on a Journey! Ana is mom to two very spirited and energetic boys (14 and 9) and actively involved in her community, as PTO Co-President at one of the local elementary schools, Cub Scouts Leader and Committee Member. When not a full time volunteer, she is a self-employed Realtor in the Bay Area with Home Buyers Agency of California DRE #01293375, and acting director with American Home Buyers Alliance www.ahba.org. She was raised in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

Product sent for honest review, all opinions my own.