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Individualized labels are an inviting gesture. They let us know that inside a letter or box is something just for us. So when it's time to sit down and create a label that your friends are sure to enjoy, you want to make sure you do it right. Seiko's Smart Label Printer (SLP) 420 has hardware and software designed to deliver just that; and while some features are sure to please all parties involved, others may frustrate you.
The fundamental purpose for individual label printers is their ease of use. Success relies on two things: how simple and effective the software is to navigate and the speed and functionality of the printer itself.
We found that the printer was quick and produced handsome black and white labels. It's able to print labels up to 1.89" wide, so you can both customize your fonts and give yourself a wider palette if needed.
Seiko maintains that the SLP 420 can print a label in eight seconds and we printed labels with thick, ink-intensive fonts in exactly that time. One feature allows you to import an image, which you can fit on the palette to further personalize the label. It took us ten seconds to print a label when an image filled one-third of the space. The photo appeared rather low-resolution and dot matrix-like, but we didn't mind.
What we found to be fuzzy and unclear was the software. Seiko boasts a WYSIWYG interface, and that term is apt enough. Creating fields with funky fonts and pictures worked out well—until we tried to use it with a lot more data. The fact that the Import file function is under the Advanced tab is a bit telling. SLP allows you to import tab-delimited files, which have a .txt extension. We were able to import a .txt and match our address criteria to the Seiko's, but we had a hard time getting the data to actually feed into the template.
The SLP 420 connects to your computer through a USB port. Seiko provides (and suggests only using) its own line of labels and includes two rolls of their standard version as well as two clear rolls. The labels include a mark on the backing that helps the printer straighten out the feed if needed.
For smaller jobs the SLP 420 has fun features and quick results that you'll be happy to send to your friends and family.
–COLIN MORRIS
Seiko Smart Label Printer 420: 
Seiko | www.siibusinessproducts.com/usa.html | 800-688-0817 | $130
Pros: Fun fonts and image import make for very personal labels.
Cons: Had trouble importing files.
Requires: G3 or better, OS 10.2 or higher
macHOME recommends: Printing small, individualized labels
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