Digital Trends

Seiko SLP 450

October 31st, 2007 | by Jason Tomczak

Printing Images

The SLP 450 is primarily intended for printing text and bar codes. The included software allows for printing of black & white images (if you only have color imagery, the software will convert it for you), and at 300dpi resolution, the images should look really good. In order to get decent images to print, your original file needs to be of sufficient quality and resolution. Printing a thumbnail image, for example, will result in an embarrassing mishmash of grainy pixilation, much how images would look when sent by fax using WinFax LITE circa 1993. But high res images, especially B&W line art, will print well. It'd be nice if Seiko could improve printing of small to medium sized art.

Instant Do-Over

If you've ever printed a sheet of Avery-style address labels and then goofed up the placement of a single label, you know the utter disappointment of having to print another sheet of labels, having to waste a full blank sheet to print one stinking label or worse, reverting to hand-writing the address. It's annoying and it almost always means wasted paper, wasted money or blown image. The SLP 450 stops the madness by allowing you to go back and reprint a single label if/when necessary. Single do-over equals reduced stress.

Color?

Very sorry. The SLP 450 prints black only. It's thermal printing, after all.

Software Goofs & Fixes 

Certain 2006/2007 versions of both Mac and Windows software have some limited buggy issues. For example, version 1.5.1 of the Mac software included on the CD caused OS X to sputter and slow, and the program sometimes failed to open. The Seiko website (LINK: http://www.siibusinessproducts.com/support/index.html) has updated software for Mac and PC, both of which seem to fix all bugs. Version 1.7 of the Mac software works flawlessly. Windows software version 6.4 is the most up-to-date software available.

Conclusion

Anyone who's ever sent out a few hundred Christmas cards, invitations or announcements knows the pain of hand-written envelopes and the frustrating limitations of dealing with peel-and-stick label sheets. The SLP 450 simplifies the entire process and, in some cases, will greatly speed things up. The SLP 450 is also very useful for home offices, small and medium sized businesses searching for a quick and easy way to boost their professional image. It's extremely handy for making folder labels, custom eBay shipping labels, etc.

Although the included software had some issues, the updated software on Seiko's website works great. The SLP 450 gets a big thumbs-up for ease of use and overall utility. Even the suggested retail price of $149 USD is not that bad (note that the SLP 450 can be found online for around $120 USD). The only notable downside to the SLP 450 was the sometimes mediocre printing of custom images on labels. Other than that, it was great.


Pros:

• Labels print clean, quick and easy
• Instant image boost for small businesses
• Print single labels or entire batches
• Import contacts from address book program
• Mac and PC compatible 


Cons:

• Image printing can be touchy
• Labels max out at 2 1/4" x 6"