Brother P-touch PT-P700 PC Label Maker: features, specs and who it suits

The Brother P-touch PT-P700 is a desktop label printer that connects to a computer by USB. Instead of typing on a built-in keyboard, you design labels in software on a Windows PC or Mac and print them on tape cartridges. It suits offices, workshops and homes that need tidy, consistent labels for equipment, files and storage.

How it works

You connect the PT-P700 to a computer with the USB cable included, and you design the label on screen. Brother says no software or drivers are needed to get started. You can also use the P-touch Editor to add fonts, graphics and logos, and download templates from the cloud for your library. Printing from a screen makes it easier to produce many similar labels, such as cable and asset tags, than typing each by hand.

Tape widths and label length

The printer accepts tapes of 3.5, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24mm, and prints labels up to 24mm wide. Label length can be set from 25mm to 1000mm, which is a little over a metre. Narrow tapes suit cables, small boxes and spines of files. The wide ones suit shelf signs, binders and larger equipment. Brother makes several tape types, including different colours and materials, so check which cartridges are compatible with this model.

Connection

The interface is USB 2.0 with a Mini-B connector, which is an older small connector, so check the cable that comes with it and that your computer has a suitable port. The listing names Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows Vista and Mac versions 10.6 to 10.8 as supported operating systems. That list is old, so for a current computer, check Brother's support pages for drivers and software for your system before buying.

Power

The label maker works from the included AC adapter, or from six AA batteries, which are sold separately. Battery power is handy if you need to label things away from an outlet, though it's still tethered to a computer by USB when designing labels.

Where it's used

Brother positions it for labelling workplace assets, including IT and electrical equipment, as well as paperwork, files, signage and storage. Typical jobs are patch-panel and cable labels, equipment tags, folder labels, pantry or workshop storage bins and signs.

Size and weight

It measures 3.1 x 6.0 x 5.6 inches (about 8 x 15 x 14 cm) and weighs 1.6 lb (about 0.7 kg), so it fits on a small desk or shelf.

Who it suits

It suits anyone who regularly makes labels and is happy to use a computer to design them: IT staff, electricians, offices, schools and keen organisers. It is less suited to someone who wants to type a label on the spot without a computer.

What to check before you buy

• Computer compatibility: confirm Brother has software and drivers for your operating system.
• Port: check that your computer or an adapter can handle the Mini-B USB cable.
• Tape: choose cartridges in the width and material you need, and confirm they fit this model.
• Power: decide whether you'll use the adapter or batteries (not included).
• Label needs: compare the maximum width of 24mm with the largest label you want.
• In the box: check whether a starter tape is included.

The short version

• A USB desktop label printer for Windows and Mac, managed with Brother's editing software.
• Tape widths of 3.5, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24mm; labels from 25mm to 1000mm long.
• Powered by the included AC adapter or six AA batteries (sold separately).
• Check current software support for your operating system.

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