I got a label maker and had the strangest experience. I opened the box, loaded the sample roll of label ribbon, inserted 6(!) AAA batteries, and it worked.
No apps to download. No account to log into. No firmware updates. No pop-over "helpful tips" about how it's "now enabled with AI" or whatever.
I just typed in the label I wanted and hit "print", and it did it. Astonishing. Nostalgic.