When GBC introduced their new Proclick pronto automatic binding systems, they released two different models. The P3000 included a medium duty punch for an all in one solution and the P2000 did not include a punch. They didn't put a punch on the 2000 because they knew that a number of larger organizations, printers and users with higher volume punching needs would want a better punching solution than they could offer on a desktop all in one machine. For these users they produced special diesets that are designed to work with their modular and automated punches. This allowed users to use their high volume punching solutions to produce the holes and the Pronto 2000 to do the document finishing.

Today, I am going to take a look at the Proclick Pronto P2000. I have unpacked it from its box have set it up and bound a number of documents with the machine. This review will contain my observations concerning the features, limitations and construction of this machine. Here we go...

The first thing that I noticed about the P2000 is that it is relatively small (as far a automated binding systems go). It comfortably fit on my countertop here in the office and is not larger than an office duty laser printer. In fact, it looks a lot like a modernized laser printer. I suspect that this modern design will help office users who are sometimes intimidated by binding machine to be more comfortable with the P2000. It has a nice large LCD display on the front of the machines, a very limited number of buttons and an easy to use cartridge design for adding new spines.

When it came to using the P2000, things were really quite easy. First I placed the pages in the measuring slot and it would tell me what size of spine that I needed to use. I had to make sure that the right cartridge was inserted into the back of the machine and then I was ready to begin binding. At this point, all I had to do was put the document in the binding slot. A light helped me to see if all the holes are lined up and then I pressed the button to insert the spine. A few seconds later the Proclick spine was inserted on my document.

Over the years, I have tried and evaluated just about every type of binding machine that is available on the market. I am pleased to say that the Pronto 2000 is one of the fastest solutions that I have ever seen. This is especially true of the 2000 when paired with a large volume punch or automated punching system.

Although there are some great things about the P2000 there are also a few things that should be noted before you run out and buy one. First, you need a modular binding punch with a Proclick-Pronto dieset to effectively use this machine. In theory you could buy pre-punched paper and covers for use with the P2000. However, pre-punched items can add up rather quickly if you are binding very many documents. The P2000 is designed for larger volume users who already have a punch or who do enough binding to warrant a heavy duty modular punch. If you don't have a modular punch or aren't planning to buy one then you won't be able to use the P2000. Additionally, even if you already have a modular binding punch you will need to make sure that you get the Proclick Pronto die. The Pronto uses an oversize 3:1 pitch hole pattern. You could try to use your standard wirebind die but in my testing only 70-80% of documents bound with the smaller hole pattern.

If you are considering the P2000 you should also know about a couple of other limitations that the Pronto system has. It cannot handle oversized covers or documents that are longer or shorter than 11 inches in length. If you need to bind documents with oversized covers or want to bind odd sized reports and presentations then the Pronto won't be a good fit for you.

There are only three sizes of cartridges available for the Pronto (small medium and large). This makes this system ideal for binding documents that are up to 5/8" thick which is about 90-100 sheets of twenty pound paper. If you need to bind documents thicker than this you will need to use another system. There are also a limited number of colors available for the Pronto system. Currently spines are available in Black, Navy Blue, White and Frost. Custom colors are not available for this system so you will need to live with one of these four colors.

The housing for the Pronto P2000 reminds me a lot of a laser printer. It is constructed of heavy duty molded plastic that appears to be durable. Looking over the machine I didn't notice any glaring defects or problems. However, in talking to customers that are using this machine on a regular basis in the field I would recommend placing the machine under a service contract. For the first year, the P2000 comes with an on-site warranty that will cover any problems that you might have. However, after that if you don't have a service contract and the spines won't align perfectly or the electronic components have an issue, you will need a service call. An equipment maintenance agreement (like the one you probably have on your photocopier) is definitely a worthwhile investment for this machine.

For organizations that want to bind large numbers of documents quickly using the Proclick binding system the P2000 is a great solution. In fact, no other system available on the market is faster or easier to use. Plus, the GBC Pro-Click spines provide you with a modern look and feel that can help improve the look and feel of your documents. Just remember that you need a modular punch to use this system and you will be set.