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Labels are a fact of life. We all use them whether we realize it or not. In some cases the labels are mainly general classifications we use when referring to items while other labels are more specific and often involve the use of a physical component that identities the particular item. Providing the means to create professional looking labels for the latter category is the Smart Label Printer 430 from Seiko.

Measuring 157.9 x 117 x 160.9mm (H x W x D), this all-white printer (including all the leads and yes it is compatible with a Mac) can connect via either a serial or USB port using the supplied leads. Setting up this printer is relatively straightforward. You simply attach the lengthy (375cm) power lead, insert the supplied roll of labels and feed the end of the roll through the slot at the rear of the printer. Seiko include a roll of Shipping labels (54 x 101mm) which are considered suitable for packages and large envelopes that need a return address and also ID badges. This printer can handle the full range of Smart Labels covering different sizes, colours and specific tasks such as the spine of VH tapes.

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When connecting the printer to a computer, whether PC or Mac variety, you have the choice of serial or USB connectivity but not both at the same time. According to the Quick Start Guide you should connect the printer to the computer before attempting to install the provided software. However this method failed to work on my system and I was forced to install the necessary software before the printer could be recognized. Even then the software claimed it had found a Smart Label Printer 240 when, in fact, this printer was the 430 model. Fortunately this model number confusion seemed to have no adverse affect on performance or functionality.

As well as the hardware, Seiko provides separate versions of the Smart Label software for Windows and Mac. This software includes a Text Capture facility which is added to your System Tray. Text Capture is meant to automatically detect addresses with text and transfer the data to the main Smart Label software. You are advised during the installation of this software that it is only supposed to be compatible with US postal Zip codes.

I attempted to use this feature using both US and UK addresses within a text document. If the address was highlighted then it was copied to the Smart Label application – even opening the software for you. However if there was no address highlighted then all the text was captured and an attempt was made to transfer this data to a label – you were even given the option to have the text shrunk to a size that would fit.

Data can be added to labels manually using an on-screen representation of the selected label type. Pre-set templates allow you to create labels for various types of address styles, name badges and labeling floppy disks. Unfortunately some of the formats are US specific and therefore unsuitable for general use in the UK. You have full control over the use of your fonts, sizes and standard alignment settings. There are also options to add pictures, bar codes and frames to labels.

The result achieved by this printer show excellent clarity with no smudging or blurring of images. Speed of operation is also more than satisfactory. However I do feel that this printer is more suited to one-off jobs rather than for mass-marketing mail-outs. It would make an ideal tool for quickly producing one or two labels for rush jobs. The estimated street price for the 430 model is £108 and labels, depending on quality and size, are available from £10 upwards. You will need Windows 2000/XP or Mac OS10.2 or higher.

http://www.siibusinessproducts.com/products/slp430.html