Brother VC-500W Review: Inkless Photo & Label Printer
Review of the Brother VC-500W compact color printer. Learn about its ZINK technology, wireless printing, and suitability for home, small business, and crafting.
Introduction
The frustration of running out of ink at the worst possible moment is a universal experience. For creative individuals, small business owners, and anyone who frequently prints labels or photos, the constant need to replace ink cartridges can be a significant drain on both time and budget. The Brother VC-500W promises to eliminate this hassle entirely, utilizing innovative ZINK (Zero Ink) technology to deliver vibrant, full-color prints without ever needing ink cartridges. This review will delve into its capabilities, performance, and suitability for a range of users.
Overview
The Brother VC-500W is a compact, versatile color printer designed for effortless label and photo printing. Its core innovation lies in its use of ZINK technology, where all the necessary colors are embedded within specially designed adhesive-backed paper rolls. This eliminates the need for traditional ink cartridges, significantly reducing running costs and simplifying the printing process. Connecting wirelessly via Wi-Fi Direct or a standard network, it’s ideal for home users, small businesses, and anyone needing portable, on-demand label and photo creation.
Features
Easy Wireless Connectivity: Staying connected is effortless. The VC-500W supports Wi-Fi Direct, allowing for direct connections from smartphones and tablets without a router. It also seamlessly integrates with standard Wi-Fi networks, enabling printing from multiple devices. This connectivity frees you to print from anywhere, anytime.
Integrated 1200 dpi Scanner: While primarily a printer, the VC-500W incorporates a 1200 dpi scanner. This allows for quick digitization of photos and documents, providing added versatility and convenience for various tasks.
Versatile Printing for Unlimited Uses: Beyond just labels, the VC-500W excels in creating a variety of customized items. Imagine personalized gifts, decorative stickers, organizational labels, or even unique photo projects. The possibilities are truly endless, making it a perfect tool for crafters, small businesses, and anyone seeking a flexible printing solution.
Print Without Ink: ZINK Zero Ink Technology: The VC-500W’s defining feature is its ZINK Zero Ink Technology. This ingenious approach integrates cyan, magenta, and yellow dyes directly into the specially formulated paper, eliminating the need for messy ink cartridges. The vibrant colors are developed using heat, resulting in durable, smudge-resistant prints – all without the recurring cost and inconvenience of traditional ink.
Durable ZINK Paper with Adhesive Backing: Brother’s Genuine CZ and CK label rolls aren’t just visually appealing; they’re built to last. The durable, water-resistant, tear-resistant, and smudge-resistant paper features an adhesive backing, ensuring your labels and photos adhere securely to a variety of surfaces – ideal for crafts, organizational projects, or creating custom stickers.
Benefits
Eliminate Ink Costs and Hassle: The most significant benefit is the complete elimination of ink cartridge costs. This translates to considerable savings over time, especially for users who print frequently. Plus, you’ll never have to worry about running out of ink mid-project.
Print Anywhere, Anytime: Wireless connectivity gives you the freedom to print from virtually anywhere with a Wi-Fi connection. This is perfect for on-the-go labeling or impromptu photo projects.
Durable and Long-Lasting Prints: The water, tear, and smudge-resistant ZINK paper ensures your prints remain vibrant and intact, even under challenging conditions. This longevity enhances the value of your creations and ensures they stand the test of time.
Unleash Creative Potential: The combination of vibrant colors, durable paper, and easy connectivity empowers you to explore your creativity. Create custom labels, personalized gifts, and unique photo projects with ease.
Simplified Printing Workflow: The VC-500W’s intuitive design and wireless connectivity streamline the printing process. From setup to printing, the experience is designed to be hassle-free, even for those with limited technical expertise.
Usages
Ideal for Small Businesses: Small businesses often rely on custom labels for product branding and shipping. The VC-500W allows for cost-effective, on-demand label creation.
Useful for Photo Printing Enthusiasts: The VC-500W’s ability to create vibrant, personalized photo prints without ink provides a unique and convenient option for hobbyists.
Great for Students and Frequent Document Printing: Students need to print handouts, labels for projects, and occasional photos. The convenience of inkless printing makes it an excellent choice.
Perfect for Home Offices: Home offices often require a mix of document and label printing. The VC-500W’s compact size and inkless design make it an ideal addition, saving space and money.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Inkless printing significantly reduces costs
- Compact and portable design
- Easy wireless connectivity
- Versatile printing capabilities (labels, photos, stickers)
- Durable and smudge-resistant prints
Cons
- Printing speed is relatively slow
- ZINK paper is proprietary and potentially more expensive than standard paper
- Limited color gamut compared to professional photo printers
- Scanner resolution is not as high as dedicated scanners
FAQs
How easy is the wireless setup?: The wireless setup is straightforward, utilizing a simple guided process through the Brother Mobile Connect app. Wi-Fi Direct connectivity allows for immediate printing without a router.
What is the cost per print?: The cost per print primarily depends on the size and density of the printed image or label. The paper rolls contain a significant number of prints, making the cost per print very competitive compared to traditional inkjet printers, especially considering the absence of ink costs.
What is the printing speed?: The VC-500W’s printing speed is typical for a compact photo printer. While not the fastest device on the market, the speed is adequate for occasional and small-volume printing tasks.
What is the warranty period?: The Brother VC-500W is backed by a standard limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Please refer to the product documentation for specific warranty details.
Are there different sizes of ZINK paper available?: Yes, Brother offers various ZINK paper sizes and formats, including labels, stickers, and photo paper, providing flexibility for different printing needs.
Product Specifications
| Ink Type | ZINK Paper (embedded dyes) |
| DPI Resolution | 300 x 300 dpi (Printing), 1200 dpi (Scanning) |
| Print Technology | ZINK (Zero Ink) |
| Warranty | 1-Year Limited Warranty |
| Print Speed | Approx. 3 x 4 inches photo in 85 seconds |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Dimensions | 7.1″ x 4.8″ x 1.7″ |
| Duty Cycle | Not Specified |
| Page Yield | Varies by paper roll size (approx. 50-100 prints per roll) |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs |
Ratings
| Design | 4.0 |
| Technical | 4.2 |
| Cost-Effectiveness | 4.6 |
| Performance | 3.9 |
| Usability | 4.5 |
Recommendation
The Brother VC-500W is an exceptional choice for home users and small business owners who desire a compact, versatile printer that eliminates the ongoing expense and hassle of traditional ink cartridges. Its inkless design, wireless connectivity, and ability to print labels and photos make it a unique and valuable addition to any workspace.
Photographers and craft enthusiasts who want a quick, easy, and cost-effective way to create personalized labels and photos will also find the VC-500W to be a rewarding investment. While the color gamut may not match professional-grade printers, the convenience and cost savings are undeniable.
Conclusion
The Brother VC-500W disrupts the traditional printing landscape with its innovative ZINK technology, delivering a compelling combination of convenience, affordability, and versatility. While not a replacement for high-volume or professional-grade printing needs, it excels in scenarios requiring on-demand label creation, personalized photo projects, and general document printing without the recurring costs of ink.
Ultimately, the VC-500W represents a smart and innovative solution for those seeking a portable, cost-effective, and hassle-free printing experience. Its unique inkless design and wireless connectivity truly set it apart from the competition, offering a worthwhile alternative to conventional inkjet printers.
