Brother Work Smart 1360 Wireless Color Inkjet vs Nelko Bluetooth Thermal Shipping Label Printer

Overview of the Brother Work Smart 1360 and Nelko Bluetooth Thermal Printer

The Brother Work Smart 1360 is a versatile all-in-one printer, while the Nelko Bluetooth Thermal Shipping Label Printer specializes in efficient label printing. The Brother printer is priced at $109.98, whereas the Nelko printer costs $68.99 — making it about 37% cheaper than its competitor. Choosing between these two depends on your specific printing needs, whether for home office tasks or shipping label production.

Printing Capabilities

The Brother Work Smart 1360 excels in multifunctionality, allowing users to print, copy, and scan. It delivers print speeds of up to 16 pages per minute in black and 9 pages per minute in color. In contrast, the Nelko printer is optimized for shipping labels, achieving an impressive speed of 150 mm/s, which equals up to 72 sheets of 4x6 labels per minute. While the Brother printer offers a broader printing capability, Nelko’s speed can significantly enhance productivity for businesses focused on shipping.

Design and Usability

The Brother Work Smart 1360 features a compact design suitable for home and office use, with a user-friendly 1.8” color display that simplifies access to cloud apps like Google Drive and Dropbox. The Nelko printer, being smaller than traditional printers, is designed for easy operation with its Bluetooth capabilities. Users can print labels directly from their smartphones through the NELKO app, which enhances usability for on-the-go shipping tasks. While both printers prioritize user convenience, the Brother offers a more comprehensive interface for various tasks.

Connectivity Options

When it comes to connectivity, the Brother Work Smart 1360 provides multiple options including wireless networking and USB connections. This flexibility allows users to print from various devices seamlessly. On the other hand, the Nelko printer also supports Bluetooth and USB connections, but it is primarily designed for mobile use, making it easier for users who need to print from smartphones or tablets. Both printers are well-equipped for connectivity, but the Brother offers greater versatility for diverse printing tasks.

Cost Efficiency and Ink Usage

Operating costs are a critical factor for any printer. The Brother Work Smart 1360 utilizes Brother Genuine LC501 ink cartridges, and users can benefit from the Refresh Subscription Trial, which promises savings of up to 50% on ink delivery. The Nelko printer, however, uses thermal technology that eliminates the need for ink or toner, which can lead to significant savings over time. While the Brother printer has a higher initial purchase price, the Nelko’s lack of ink costs could make it more economical for users focused on label printing.

Applications and Use Cases

The Brother Work Smart 1360 is ideal for home and home office applications, handling everything from documents to business reports with high-quality prints. It includes features like automatic duplex printing and an automatic document feeder, making it suitable for varied tasks. Conversely, the Nelko Bluetooth Thermal Shipping Label Printer is specifically targeted at businesses needing to print shipping labels for platforms such as Amazon and Shopify. This specialization makes it an excellent choice for e-commerce operations, but it may not meet broader printing needs.

Sales Ranking and Market Position

In terms of sales ranking, the Brother Work Smart 1360 holds a bestseller rank of 548, indicating a strong position in the market. The Nelko printer follows with a rank of 1044, which, while respectable, suggests it is less favored than the Brother model. This could impact resale value and user confidence in the product’s longevity. The Brother’s higher sales rank may reflect its versatility and broader appeal compared to the specialized Nelko printer.

Which should you buy?

Ultimately, the choice between the Brother Work Smart 1360 and the Nelko Bluetooth Thermal Shipping Label Printer boils down to your printing needs. If you require an all-in-one printer that can handle a variety of tasks efficiently, the Brother Work Smart 1360 is the better choice, despite its higher price. However, if your primary need is for fast, efficient label printing without the costs of ink, the Nelko printer offers a compelling solution at a lower price point. Consider what you value most in a printer to make an informed decision.