Brother PT-PC label maker. Currently still available new or used. Was about $500.00 or so when first released, ...HOWEVER.....that was six years ago. This was / is a fancy Brother label maker with extensive programming for printing fonts, images, label forms and borders, etc. driven tby the PC. Initially, it would seem the extrodinairly high price inhibited sales, as they're STILL available, six obsolete years later, new. Be forewarned, this printer predates Windows 95. Brother has released drivers for Windows XP......HOWEVER (again)....the XP drivers are borderline impossible to load, and DO NOT allow access to the full proliferation of features initially available in the Windows 3.1 floppy software that came / come with the unit. The unit is serial and printer port connectable. NOT USB! The only truly assured use is that of a large paperweight.
This price of this PT-PC printer has spiraled downward from the original $400.00-$500.00 to anywhere from $30.00 to $250.00 +/- $150.00. Another issue is the fact it ONLY takes the equally obsolete TX tapes.This is a fine device for anyone who is a glutton for stress and disappointment in futile drills of loading software that is virtually unworkable with Windows XP (and 98, 98 SE). Brother offers cordial phone service and driver downloads, I give them A for effort (albeit not too successful). It would be my guess they wish the existing PT-PC printers would all go away. Certainly the many merchants still having new ones in stock would have like desires.
Update 10-2008: Had a totally new PC built. Sadly, my PT-PC could no longer be made to work. A Microsoft software engineer worked for four hours trying to install the drivers. No serial port in my 'new' PC, tried serial to USB adapter (which does work for my older GPS serial hook-up device) to no avail. Installed a serial port (card), still no-go! A sad day indeed! Sold it on E Bay. Still have another two. Bought a P Touch PT-2430PC to replace it. Like going from a Cadillac to a Yugo. Different tapes, half as long and 2X more money. Less extensive software. I sure miss my PT-PC!
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