Niimbot B21/Wala!
Technology, Yanon Ben Shoshan
We can assume that a sticker printer is not a product that is on your future shopping list, but you will be surprised to know that this is a trend that is gaining momentum - and has also reached Israel.
To understand the hysteria, we received the Niimbot B21 from the Bug network, whose cheap price makes the decision to purchase it simpler - a total of NIS 275, and that's in addition to the fact that it prints without ink (we'll get to that later).
Spoiler: prepare the spice cabinet.
First steps and design
Traditional label printers used to be expensive, cumbersome, large and required a computer connection.
However, in recent years, the trend of portable printers has developed - which has compressed all the technology into a small, cheap and well-designed device, which allows each of us to have a printer in our bag.
And how simple is it?
The Niimbot B21 has no screen, no keyboard, it has one single button with which you will connect to the application and although it is made of plastic it feels like a quality product designed in a retro style that will remind you of the 50s-60s.
On the left side there is a handle to open the feed compartment for the sticker rolls, and on the right side there is a USB Type C socket. The front part has an indicator light, and the battery will last you about 4 hours of work.
The connection, by the way, is made in seconds - clicking the activation button and then clicking again in the application.
Niimbot B21: no screen, no keyboard/wallah!
Technology, Yanon Ben Shoshan
Inkless printing
The Niimbot B21 uses thermal printing technology (yes, this is not a new technology), which saves the need for ink: it burns what you chose to print on a label (sticker) adapted to this technology.
In addition, the maintenance is very cheap - the only thing you will need is to buy a reel of 320 stickers with a width of 20-50 mm for a price of about NIS 35-45 (you will get one already in the package).
application
We have reached the most fun part - the app (which is available for both Android and iPhone).
As we wrote above, the connection to the smartphone takes a few seconds after pressing the activation button.
Within the application you can use built-in label templates, along with many other options - for example, combined printing of symbols and text, creating QR codes, shapes, frames, emojis and even photos (in black and white).
However, there is a certain but not very significant limitation.
In order to use all the symbols and fonts that are in the database within the application, you will need to purchase a VIP account for a monthly fee of NIS 16 per month.
Is it worth it?
In our opinion less.
Within the app you can use built-in label templates/wallah!
Technology, Yanon Ben Shoshan
Usability and results
Changing the coils is quite simple - with the help of a tiny handle, open the compartment that stores the coils, place the cylinder inside with its end peeking out, and close.
The device does not have an automatic cutter like other thermal printers, and the cutting is done by pulling the sticker on the serrated iron (like adhesive paper).
Tip: the cutting operation should be done carefully - a quick or too strong pull may pull the coil out, and you will waste stickers.
Although the print quality is not completely professional, the labels are clear and readable, the print speed is excellent and the paper quality is great.
To understand the usability, I printed labels for various things in my house, such as bags, boxes and spices.
For example, I printed a sticker with dates on an old document bag.
In addition, on products with a long shelf life, such as those that have moved to another box, I have pasted the expiration date.
As far as battery life is concerned, the printer is equipped with an internal rechargeable battery with a capacity of 1200 mAh, which should be enough for about 4 hours of use (on paper), so you don't need to buy additional batteries.
Also, the printer will turn itself off automatically after 15 minutes so that the battery is not wasted.
The labels are clear and readable/Vala!
Technology, Yanon Ben Shoshan
In the bottom line
If you are looking for a relatively simple sticker printer that will allow you to create basic home stickers at a cheap price, the Niimbot B21 could be a good option for you.
On the other hand, if you need a printer with more advanced features, and printing in other sizes, you should look for something else at a more expensive price.
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