Zebra Printers

[ann_6734]

Which printer would you recommend - LP2844 , LP450 or LP500? What is the difference between all these models?

[castlemagicmemories]

I don't know, but you could do an online search for info on these products that would help you decide which to choose.

Just read the product info.

With so many printers out there, I don't know that anyone familiar with these specific ones will show up to respond.

[moo*cow*corner]

I've gotten a strong recommendation from another seller I know for the LP450. Easy to use. Software is user friendly. You can print different size labels. And it’s compact.

I still use an old inkjet, but will be looking to possibly get a Zebra when my ancient, sturdy HP Inkjet dies. Bought it new at the end of 2001, and it's still chugging along.

[chapeau-noir]

You'll need to do your research to find actual specs for each model, but I can say that the LP2844 is a real little workhorse and very easy to maintain.  I used a refurbished one for years.

I now have a GC420d which is a similar model to the LP2844 - this time I purchased new rather than refurbed.

Whatever model you get, be sure you clean the printer heads after every roll or two of media - use alcohol sponge swabs for that. For some reason, this doesn't seem clearly enough explained and people end up with ruined printer heads.

[coffeebean832]

---

@ann_6734 wrote:

Which printer would you recommend - LP2844 , LP450 or LP500? What is the difference between all these models?

---

The LP450 and LP500 were discontinued. There is still support for the ZP450 and ZP500, but those are also discontinued models. The current updated model from the 500 series is the ZD500.

The LP2844 is also discontinued, as is support for this model.

All are great printers- I've used a model from the 500 series before- but the availability of support is something you may want to factor in to your decision. Are you looking at used, refurbished or new old stock models?

[tunicaslot]

Thanks everyone for your replies to the OP. I know that the information is easily obtained on the internet but many times it's helpful to ask the opinions of others who have used the products to see what people have to say - especially when there are many different models to choose from!

[dhbookds]

lol, lots of info on the internet............  personal experience on ebay is always preferred......to me.........

[coffeebean832]

100% agree. It can take a long time to wade through all the info online. Sometimes it's better to ask directly people who use the item the same way you will- integrated with the same platform.

@ann_6734- when I mentioned that some of the models have discontinued support I forgot to mention why that's so important- you need to make sure the item is compatible with your operating system. When a printer is no longer supported there won't be software updates and it will quickly become outdated if you upgrade your OS.

[rosachs]

---

@ann_6734 wrote:

Which printer would you recommend - LP2844 , LP450 or LP500? What is the difference between all these models?

---

I've owned two 2844's personally - first one (bought used on eBay) lasted over a dozen years.  I replaced it with a slightly newer model (used, on eBay) to get the USB port, but no driver changes.  Still use that one for my personal sales.

At work, we have the ZP450 and I love it.  Form is same as the 2844, but this one can verify the type of label it's printing on and adjust it's end-of-page point.  Which lets us switch from standard 4x6 to the doc-tab 4x6 which is slightly longer.  Takes less than a minute to have it auto-adjust, then it's good to go!  We still keep the 2844 as an emergency backup or for printing other labels (Zebra offers free label-creation software).

I programmed a lot of software for Zebra label printers back when I was in IT consulting.  The industrial models are bigger and faster, but the reliability seems to run thru the entire product line.  They just don't seem to malfunction until they simply expire.  I've never had a concern recommending Zebra printers.

To directly answer your question, I like the 450 or 500 models.  Mostly because they are newer and have features the 2844 just doesn't have.  If price is a factor, a good used 2844 should still offer a good value, depending on how intense your needs are.  I print only a few labels a day on my 2844, but we print 50-100 a day on the 450 at work (mostly from open to USPS pickup).

-Bob.

[valuestore]

Bought a used lp2844 10 plus years ago, never cleaned it, printed 1000's 4x6 labels on it, it just keeps on going. I would buy 2 used lp2844 before ide buy a $400-500 overpriced new zebra.

[castlemagicmemories]

---

@dhbookds wrote:

lol, lots of info on the internet............  personal experience on ebay is always preferred......to me.........

---

You're right, @dhbookds, personal experience is best.  I didn't know if anyone would show up with that personal experience!  That's all and I'm glad that others did and thank you all for your help to the OP!  That's great and very much appreciated.

[chapeau-noir]

---

@valuestore wrote:

Bought a used lp2844 10 plus years ago, never cleaned it, printed 1000's 4x6 labels on it, it just keeps on going. I would buy 2 used lp2844 before ide buy a $400-500 overpriced new zebra.

---

Please be good to your faithful servant and get a few cheap swabs and clean it up. I didn't clean mine through thousands of labels (not knowing) and guess what?

I agree that those LP2844 are really great printers. The adapt easily to new OS as well - I had mine with Win7 and it had no trouble migrating to Win10.

[rfmtm]

The Zebra's are good old workhorses, but take a look at the Dymo's also.  They are lower cost, reliable, and generally are faster with better resolution.

The small Dymo 450, is great for USPS using the 99019 labels. 

The larger Dymo 4XL print 4"x6" labels for USPS as well are UPS and FedEx.