The TZ material with UV protection is the kind to use. Here's the Brother site...if you look at the 'supplies and accessories' tab on each machine, it tells you what tape it takes. Hope that helps...I use mine for all kinds of things besides rose labels.

Here is a link that might be useful: Brother machine selector

I use the P-touch for more than rose labels.

The computer interface would be fine if you maintain a data base of your roses, but it would be a pain to have to run to the computer every time you want to make a quick label. Also, installing a new device on the computer is never as simple as it should be, and usually involves considerable time, frustration and cussing. So I would recommend a model with a keyboard even if it is more expensive.

I use 1 inch wide tapes, so that puts me into the more expensive model. You can use narrower tapes and a cheaper model, but you might have to use 2 strips for really long rose names.

Number of fonts is not important. You will want to standardize on one font anyway, for a nice consistent look throughout the garden.

I would choose the 2700 because it takes 1 inch tapes, but if you need to save money, the 1880 would do.

My P-touch is 8-9 years old and still going strong. They are well made machines that should last for many years.

I suggest you consider these factors. You will get your investment out of your labeller if it's simple and straightforward to use.

1) PC connectible. Essential. The user interface on the keyboard labelers is lousy to inexcusable.
2) Width of tape the unit accepts. A 1/2 inch tape is virtually useless for two lines of print because the print becomes microscopic. You didn't mention what you'll put these labels on. You may be thinking that you'll just run two tapes for two lines of print. You're better off buying a unit that accepts wider tape, as it will look neater and use less tape. Those tapes ain't cheap, at $12 each.
3) Buy an AC adapter. It avoids wasting money and resources on batteries.

Brothers makes a PC-connectible labelers that are just the printer, none of the keyboard stuff. I think this is smart, as I find the keyboard useless if you don't use the machine every day. The 1230PC you mention is one of those models. My issue with this model is that it only runs tapes up to 1/2 inch wide, whereas the next model, Ptouch 2430PC, runs tapes up to 3/4 inch. I found that once I label a rose, I want more than one line of print. I list name and class and then hybridizer and date on the second line. That makes the print very very small on a 1/2 wide tape. The Ptouch 2430PC is what I'd buy if I were replacing mine.

Count me among those very happy with the Ptouch label makers. My model 2600 is discontinued. The software interface works with my Mac, so I use my computer the set up and print the labels. This is very helpful, as the Brother's keyboard is too complicated and counter-intuitive to make any sense at all if you don't use it daily. OTOH, with the pc connection, I find I use the labeler much more. I use it to label files and to label those pesky little items that seem to disappear when you have big kids, like your cell phone chargers. I also use it to label adapters, as I find they become separated from their device and all look alike.

That new unit, Ptouch 1880 looks comparable to mine, except it doesn't mention being able to connect to your computer. It's worth the money to have the computer interface. The Ptouch 2100 or 2110 seems like my unit: connect to the pc with USB cord, comes with a case and an AC adapter, and print on both sizes tape, 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch.

HTH.

Thank You all, Each of you brought up things that I would never have thought about until AFTER I made the investment.
I totally forgot about the tape size! I know I will want a one inch tape so I can read the names.
I had not even thought about Computer compatibility or even checking out the Brothers web site.
You guys are great! Thank you for taking the time to help me out on this serious decision.
I have to re-read and really think this out before I decide. I will let you all know what I decided to do. Again Thanks!

Hi Maggie, if you check Staples more often you will catch 2700 model on sale. I bought mine for 100$ and received a 50$ refund as a debit card. I'm very happy with this model.
Lana

I am going for the 2700, I had ruled it out because it was so expensive
but after looking at the Brother website and re-reading the other thread about labels.
It seems to be the top of the line and I can use it with or without the computer.
I am going to keep an eye out for one to go on sale.

I just bought the 2700 new in the box on E-Bay for $55 and free shipping.
-terry

Mine is an older model but yes, get the largest width tape capability and the computer hook up. I actually developed a database for my roses and was able to print the labels that way. So I could import the names from my excel sheet and not have to type them into the labeler. I also did labels for our DVDs that we recorded since I had a list of those as well. Also the AC adapter is a must have unless you want to have 8 batteries ready each time you want to use the labeler.

Have fun with your new labeler!