Dymo LabelWriter Twin Turbo (69115) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I got this labeler for use in a small office, primarily for file folder and address labels. Text quality - at a mere 300 dpi - is hardly gorgeous, but adequate for labeling needs. Labels are smear-proof, and I have never had a problem with printed labels darkening from exposure to hot mailing equipment, copy machines, or the like.
The Twin Turbo is essentially two 400 Turbo units in one chassis. By including two printers in one unit, DYMO has more than doubled the utility of the printer for me. This unit replaces an older LabelWriter which saw little use due to the hassle of changing out (and thereby wasting) label rolls. The TT allows you to pick from the left or right printer roll from either the application or the print dialogue box, and it remembers which side you specified for a particular label size.
Although a true full-speed USB 2.0 device, the TT is plenty fast connected to a USB 1.1 interface. The cable is included. (Why can't all printers do that?!)
The Macintosh OS X (only - sorry, no Classic!) software is ported directly from the Windows version. Not surprisingly, it is therefore a little bit kludgy and inelegant, but usable with only a very modest learning curve. Users of prior versions of the Dymo software may, like me, miss some options like full justification, and find other commands, options, and preferences have gotten buried in obscure corners of the application. The included clip art library is lame, and setting up a good looking label takes some trial and error. Nevertheless, once you have configured your standard labels you'll never again have to hassle with sheet labels, and shooting out a single label or 100 at a time is almost one-click easy.
The drivers work flawlessly, and the installer automatically launches the Add a Printer utility. The Mac software appears to be PPC only right now; I advise checking the Dymo website if you want or need a Universal Binary version for an Intel-based Mac. By default, the application installs at root level and requires an administrator password to install.
The majority of the support documentation is included as a PDF launchable from within the DYMO Label application. Again, the manual is Windows-centric, but usable for the Mac version.
The biggest drawback is the unit lacks an On/Off switch, and does not automatically go into a sleep state like most modern printers. What this means for the user is the unit's two rather annoyingly bright blue LED ready lights are constantly lit. I find this distracting and had to place the machine out of my line of sight. At least the unit does play nicely with Mac 'deep sleep' mode on a G4 PowerMac. The power cord comes in two sections totaling a good 10' (with a smallish adapter brick in the middle) so at least you can place the unit practically anywhere.
Finally, I advise shopping around. I was able to find this unit for under $150 shipped, and that easily beat the cost of buying two of the DYMO (non-Turbo) 400s.
Pros:
*Included USB cable and long power cord
*Macintosh Driver works well
* Decent value for money, dual printers add utility
Cons:
*Lacks on/off switch
*Somewhat marginal print quality
*Application interface lacks polish, no Universal Binary support (yet)

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Gives you two times the label printing options by holding two rolls of labels. Perfect for those who use different labels on a frequent basis or need to print a batch of labels, fast and easy. This tiny printer fits anywhere on your desk, and makes labels for envelopes, packages, files, name badges and more in seconds from your PC or Mac via USB Connection. Prints over 40 styles and sizes of paper labels. Supports DYMO Stamps, the easy way to print postage from your computer. Included label software integrates easily with most software applications. Up to 55 labels/minute.

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