Now label makers have joined the information age. The LetraTag 2000 labelmaker is akin to a handheld word processor, and boy, is it fun to use. There are so many cool little features that you really do need to read the instructions to take full advantage of it. To get started, you just flip up the top of the labelmaker and insert the cartridge. This model comes with 13 feet of standard white tape, but you can purchase extra paper, plastic, or metallic labels in seven different colors. The LetraTag requires six AA batteries, which are not included. Once those are in, you can press the red power button and get started.

The LetraTag defaults to normal text and lowercase letters, but with a little inputting you can create capitals, bold, big bold, italic, outlined, shadowed, or vertical text. It also has a box/underline feature that will surround your text with underlines or rounded, shaded, toothed, or pointed boxes, plus our favorite, the crocodile box (the croc grins at you!). If your labeling area is tight, you can use the two-line feature to double up the text so it prints two lines instead of one. It also provides a host of international letters and accent marks in addition to a range of symbols including a telephone, smiley face, heart, and cat.

As you input your label, what you've typed scrolls across the LCD screen (up to 72 characters). To go back and change your message, just use the arrow keys. When you're ready to print, you can press "shift-print preview" to see your label. Once the label is printed, just press the scissors key and the label will pop off. Handily, the last label made will automatically be retained in memory in case you turn the LetraTag off by accident.

Great for the home or office, kids or adults, the LetraTag is handy and easy to use, and comes in a funky translucent lime-green color. --Dana Van Nest