Brother P-Touch PT-N20 Personal Desktop Label Maker, Portable, Handheld and Prints, P-Touch Btag ~½” (12mm) Wide Color Personalized Label Tapes
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AI Verdict
This 1.1-pound portable label maker with a QWERTY keyboard and 16-character display is for basic home and small office labeling.
This label maker is a situational fit because its 1.1-pound portable design and QWERTY keyboard are convenient for quick, on-the-go labeling tasks. However, the lack of included power options and significant tape waste limit its appeal for users seeking a more cost-effective or connected solution.
If you need to print labels from a computer or smartphone, look for a label maker with Bluetooth or USB connectivity.
Regret Score™
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Pros
- Features a full QWERTY keyboard for familiar text input.
- Includes 3 fonts, 7 font styles, 15 frames, and 250 symbols for label customization.
- Allows previewing label content on its 16-character display before printing, reducing errors.
- Saves up to 10 frequently used labels for quick re-printing.
- Operates on 6 AAA batteries for portability or an optional AC adapter.
- Prints up to two lines of text with a combined height of 9mm.
Cons
- Requires separate purchase of 6 AAA batteries or an AC adapter for power.
- Generates significant blank tape margins, leading to tape waste.
- Lacks Bluetooth or other connectivity options for external device control.
- Included instruction manual is brief, requiring online search for full details.
- Exclusively uses Brother P-touch Btag ~½” (12mm) wide label tapes.
Dimension Scores
The 1.1-pound weight and QWERTY keyboard contribute to comfortable handheld or desktop use.
Offers 3 fonts, 7 font styles, 15 frames, and 250 symbols for text customization, but no physical adjustments.
Users describe the keyboard as 'pretty decent' and the unit having an unexpected 'heft to it'.
Features a simple, clean design that won't take up much space.
Best For
- Organizing home storage bins and craft supplies.
- Labeling items in dorm rooms or small workshops.
- Creating quick, personalized labels for school supplies or lunch bags.
Not Recommended For
- Users needing to print labels directly from a computer or smartphone.
- Environments requiring high-volume or continuous label printing.
- Users who need to print on tape widths other than 12mm.
Watch Out For
- The label maker does not include an AC adapter or 6 AAA batteries, requiring an additional purchase to power the device.
- Users report substantial tape waste due to large default margins, with some stating it makes labels '3 times longer than they need to be'.
- The device lacks any connectivity, meaning you can't connect it to a PC or mobile device via Bluetooth or USB.
- Tape can jam or the ink ribbon can get caught, requiring removal and reinsertion of the tape cassette.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 012502673248 |
| ASIN | B0DFDRSHBJ |
| Brand | Brother |
| Color | White |
| Duplex | Simplex |
| Ink Color | Blue |
| Model Name | New Model: PTN20 |
| Sheet Size | 12 |
| Color Depth | 24 bpp |
| Item Weight | 1.1 pounds |
| Print media | Labels |
| Manufacturer | Brother |
| Model Series | P-Touch |
| Warranty Type | Limited |
| Control Method | Touch |
| Printer Output | Color |
| Processor Count | 1 |
| Special Feature | Portable |
| Printer Ink Type | Thermal |
| Item model number | PTN20 |
| Hardware Interface | USB |
| Maximum Media Size | 12mm |
| Product Dimensions | 6"D x 6"W x 2.9"H |
| Dual-sided printing | No |
| Included Components | 1 Blue Print on White Btag Sample Label Tape 0.47" x 6.5' (12 mm x 2 m), Labels, User Guide |
| Printing Technology | Thermal |
| Connectivity Technology | USB |
| Max Input Sheet Capacity | 10 |
| Max Printspeed Monochrome | 12 |
| Max copy resolution color | 180 dots_per_inch |
| Specific Uses For Product | Home, Office, School |
| Maximum Print Speed (Color) | 12 |
| Additional Printer functions | Print Only |
| Maximum Color Print Resolution | 180 Dots Per Inch |
| Max copy resolution black-white | 180 dots_per_inch |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00012502673248 |
| Maximum Black and White Print Resolution | 180 |
What Buyers Say
The biggest head-scratcher with this label maker is that it doesn't come with a power adapter or batteries, which means you're buying extra stuff right out of the gate. People also get pretty annoyed by how much tape gets wasted on blank margins, even with settings adjustments. On the flip side, the QWERTY keyboard and the ability to preview labels on the 16-character screen are big wins for ease of use. It's a basic tool, but it gets the job done for simple labeling tasks around the house or office.
“Seriously, who sells a label maker without the power cord or batteries? Had to run back to the store just to use it. And the tape waste? Ugh, it eats up so much blank space, it's like they're doing it on purpose to sell more tape!”
Common Praise
- The full QWERTY keyboard makes typing text fast and comfortable.
- The 16-character display allows previewing labels to avoid mistakes before printing.
- The built-in cutter provides clean, smooth edges on every label.
- Offers a selection of 3 fonts, 7 font styles, 15 frames, and 250 symbols for creative labels.
- Can save up to 10 labels for quick re-printing of frequently used designs.
Common Complaints
- Does not include an AC adapter or the required 6 AAA batteries.
- Wastes a significant amount of tape due to large default margins.
- Lacks Bluetooth or USB connectivity to computers or mobile devices.
- The included instruction manual is minimal, requiring users to find more detailed instructions online.
- Tape can occasionally jam or the ink ribbon can get tangled.
Ownership Tips
- You'll need to immediately buy 6 AAA batteries or a compatible AC adapter to use it out of the box.
- Even with margin adjustments, some tape waste is unavoidable due to the distance between the print head and cutter.
- Learning to use 'chain print' mode can significantly reduce tape waste if you're printing multiple labels in a batch.
- The Btag tapes are specifically designed for this model, so don't expect to use other Brother P-touch tapes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Brother P-Touch PT-N20 come with a power adapter or batteries?
No, the AC adapter and 6 AAA batteries are sold separately. You'll need to purchase them to power the device.
What size label tapes does this label maker use?
It exclusively uses Brother P-touch Btag label tapes that are ½ inch (12mm) wide and 13.1 feet (4m) long.
Can I connect the PT-N20 to my computer or phone?
No, this label maker does not have Bluetooth or any other connectivity options to connect to external devices.
How can I reduce tape waste when printing labels?
You can try adjusting the margin settings to 'narrow' or using 'chain print' mode, which helps reduce the blank space at the beginning and end of labels.
How many lines of text can I print on a label?
You can print up to two lines of text, with a combined height of 9mm.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at label makers, think about what you're actually labeling and how often. This one is pretty basic, which is fine for occasional use around the house. The big thing is that it doesn't connect to anything else, so you're typing everything directly on the machine. Also, be ready to buy batteries or a power cord separately, because it doesn't come with either.
Tape Width (½” (12mm))
This tells you how wide your labels will be. If you need really tiny labels for small items or much wider ones for folders, this 12mm width might be too big or too small. It's like picking the right size sticky note for your message.
QWERTY Keyboard
This means the keyboard layout is just like a standard computer keyboard. It makes typing familiar and faster than those old label makers where you had to hunt and peck for each letter. Think of it like texting on a full keyboard versus an old flip phone.
16-character display screen
This is your preview window. A 16-character screen lets you see a decent chunk of your label text before you print it, helping you catch typos and avoid wasting tape on mistakes. It's like having a small digital notepad to check your work.
Portable (1.1 pounds)
This means you can easily carry it around the house or to different locations. At 1.1 pounds, it's light enough not to be a burden, so you can label things wherever you find them, not just at your desk.
Alternatives
If you need to print from a computer or phone, search for label makers with Bluetooth or USB connectivity. For more label size options or specialized tapes, look for models that support a wider range of tape widths and types.
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