What is the difference between direct thermal and thermal transfer?

Direct thermal prints by heating the label itself, so no ribbon is needed, but labels fade with heat and sunlight. Thermal transfer melts a ribbon onto the label, which lasts longer and works on plain paper stock.

Is 203 DPI enough for barcodes?

Yes. 203 DPI is the common resolution for shipping labels, shelf tags and standard barcodes. It is coarse for very small text or dense graphics, where 300 DPI models do better.

Does it need a ribbon?

Only in thermal transfer mode. In direct thermal mode it prints on thermal labels with no ribbon at all.

What labels does it take?

It is built for roll-fed label stock, both direct thermal labels and plain labels for use with a ribbon. Match the roll width and core size to the printer's media holder.

How does it connect to a computer?

Desktop label printers in this class usually connect over USB, with serial or Ethernet on some versions. Check the port list on the unit before buying.

Small retailers, warehouses and back offices that print shipping labels, barcodes and shelf tags in modest volumes. High-volume production lines need a heavier industrial printer.