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Labels sheets are convenient when you want to print out a batch of labels but wasteful when you want to print just one. So even as most of my output came out of the regular printer, my typewriter was still a prominent feature on my desktop for those little tasks. Now I'm ready to put the typewriter in the attic, since I recently acquired a CoStar label maker. What prompted me to buy it were the several unsuccessful trips to the local office store to locate a replacement ribbon for my old typewriter. Planned obsolescence? One advantage to the CoStar labelwriter is that there is no need to change ribbon, ink, or toner cartridge. I just wish that my regular printer were so inexpensive to maintain. The hardware was easy to hook up to my computer, and adding the print drivers took only a matter of seconds. But then the stumbling block: When everything was up and running, I realized I did not have the software to run the labelwriter. Only Connectix Photobadge was included, which I did not need at the time. So I logged onto the Costar Web page (http://www.costar.com) and located the page from which I could download the right software. My first download was unsuccessful, but the support staff at CoStar took pity and e-mailed me two software packages. The one I installed was called Easy Suite, which included Easy Labelwriter. The software was intuitive to use, and I was able to print labels as soon as it was installed. An added benefit to Easy Label is the inclusion of a Microsoft Word icon. When typing a letter in Word, you just highlight the address and paste and copy it into the labelwriter software. A two-click, time-saving device. One inconvenience is getting the labels. You need to order them by mail-order since local office stores don't carry them. But CoStar does have a large range of labels for every purpose. You can chose from thirty different kinds, from 5" x 1/2" to large shipping labels. So far I have mostly used the versatile 1 1/8" x 3 1/2" format, which accommodate most of my jobs. Should I need specific labels, those are also available from CoStar. Now I'm ready to organize my office, my file cabinets, my diskettes. I'll even put labels on my kids' notebooks and textbooks. And then I may even organize my recipes! |
| Marlene Gaberel is a DACS officer, director of publicity, and assistant Webmaster. Contact Marlene at mgaberel@ct1.nai.net. |
