Zebra GC420d Direct Thermal Printer (GC42-202510-000) Review
At the lower end of Zebra Technologies' somewhat extensive stable of label/barcode printers, the Zebra GC420d Direct Thermal Printer ($595) is small and relatively low-priced as industrial-strength label printers go. Though the GC420d is big and beefy, compared with the combination consumer-grade/small business professional label makers we've reviewed recently, such as the Editors' Choice Brother QL-820NWB, it's more than capable of printing a wide range of label types from your team's PCs, as well as some tablets and smartphones. It's a great choice for mid-volume, industrial-strength labeling in near-limitless settings, from warehouses to medical facilities and beyond.
Limited Connectivity
Measuring 7.6 by 7.5 by 8.3 inches (HWD) and weighing 4.6 pounds, the Zebra GC420d ($350.00 at Amazon UK) is a bit taller, wider, and heavier than Brother's otherwise similarly designed QL-800 series label makers, which includes the flagship QL-820NWB model, as well as the QL-810W ($350.00 at...
The Zebra GC420d, the next step up from a consumer-grade label printer, provides wide-ranging expansion options and a very low cost of operation.
Exceptionally low running costs; Prints fast; Open programming platform for custom applications; Wide selection of label media; Dual simultaneous connectivity through serial and parallel ports
Complicated software installation; Ethernet costs extra; Lacks wireless and mobile support