There is several threads on thermal printers here. The biggest issue is dots per inch, especially if you plan to print Australia Post postage labels. Due to their vertical placement which no other carrier does, you need 300dpi to print the bars clear enough. A 200dpi printer doesn't have the resolution and white space between bars merge into blocks.
However AP like many carriers are trending towards QR and DataMatrix square codes as they carry more data and easier to print and scan. 200dpi printers are fine with squares.
The Brother QL series use proprietary stationery so your cost goes up. Generic thermal labels near one quarter the cost. Zebra printers are expensive though and never buy a second hand thermal printer as generally the print head needs replacing, and that's why they are selling it ! Thermal print heads generally cost more than a new printer !
Bigger the printer - longer it lasts and many people who buy smaller units, end up replacing them within 1-2 years.
