Review: Dymo LabelManager 260p

Today we are taking a look at the newly introduced Dymo LabelManager 260P Label Maker. A hand held rechargeable label maker designed for printing labels on the go.

Dymo has a reputation of making great products and while we absolutely love the Dymo LabelWriter 450 Twin Turbo we reviewed last year we regetfuly don't feel the same about the Dymo LabelManager 260P and regretfully we didn't think it lived up to it the quality we came to enjoy from its bigger brother.

 Dymo LabelManager 260P Features

Featuring a rechargeable lithium-ion battery a large 1.18” x 2.36” screen that displays two lines of text and a weight of 1.5 pounds the LabelManager 260P is packed with plenty of new features that make it useful for every day labeling.

• Large 1.18" x 2.36" screen displays two lines of label text
• Graphical display lets you see text effects on screen before you print. This means no more guessing what the label will look like. What you see is what you get!
• Work faster with an improved user interface that displays all menu options onscreen without scrolling, and includes intuitive icons for formatting options
• Customize labels and add emphasis by choosing from 3 fonts, 6 font sizes, one of the many styles, and one of 8 different box styles or underline
• Uses DYMO D1 labels in 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2"widths
• Powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery – the same technology used in mobile phones and laptops
• Eliminates the AA battery inconvenience, waste and disposal
• 9-label memory and “save text” feature
• Print up to 10 copies of the same label
• Enter text quickly using the familiar ABC-style keyboard
• Quick access to special symbols including punctuation and currency

A new and improved user interface makes it easier to select the appropriate fonts and text styles while displaying all menu commands without scrolling. The UI includes easy-to-read user friendly icons for formatting options, making printing text faster and a whole lot easier.

Choose from 3 fonts and 6 text styles; highlight your text with 8 box styles or underlining. Print up to nine copies of the same label, and prevent repeated work with a 9-label memory and “save text” feature.

The LabelManager 260P uses DYMO D1 labels in 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" widths. Enter text quickly and naturally with the familiar ABC keyboard layout, and use special function keys for fast access to punctuation marks, currency and other special symbols.

Thoughts and opinions

For a handheld device the LabelManager 260P was just a little too bulky and oversized. I've used several smaller inexpensive machines in the past and despite their smaller size I was able to use them for effectively.

The key layout was a bit odd as I am use to a standard QWERTY style keyboard for most of me tech gadgets. Having to use the ABC style input took some getting use to. As did using the very tiny number keys! I miss keyed almost every number entered at least once.

The tactile response on the keys left a lot to be desired so to dud the input response time. I noticed several times keys failed to rebound smoothly almost acting stuck. Several more times I noticed either miss-keys or no faulty entry when trying to type faster.

On the positive side setup was quick and easy. The labels were easily added and changed when needed. Our re-chargeable battery pack slide right into place and seemed to charged quickly. We found the UI very user friendly making it simple to make changes to our text formatting. Print was fast and reliable and the test labels we printed turned out great.

Overall I'd say I was more than a bit disappointed. The size issue can be overlooked but poor key response is a big downer.