Cheap Fellowes 52004 Small-Size Laminating System (Electronics) Price

With the ability to laminate documents up to four inches wide, the 52004's size is ideal for photos. However, the instruction sheet doesn't recommend using the "hot" setting (which is the only setting this machine has) to laminate photos. Just to check, we tried laminating a photo and it came out undamaged--but it's up to you to decide whether you want to take this risk. Despite the limited-width capacity of the laminator, it can manage documents up to 5 millimeters thick, which is remarkable for such a small machine.

Using the 52004 is relatively simple: Just plug the machine in, turn it on, and wait two to three minutes for the green Ready Light to illuminate. Then, tuck the item that you wish to laminate inside a laminate pouch (a dozen of varying sizes are included) and put the pouch inside the carrier envelope (also included). The machine automatically feeds the carrier though, and your item will arrive warm and laminated on the other side. We tried laminating paper, plastic, bits of dried fruit (just to test the thickness capacity of the machine--we do not recommend using your laminator for fruit). It all came out looking great: solid adherence and no curled edges. Thicker items didn't get complete adherence immediately around the item, but that's to be expected from any laminator.

The big disappointment is the product's instruction sheet, which is, to put it kindly, severely lacking. You'll get some basic operating information, a few cryptic cautions, but that's all. Luckily, the machine's operation is relatively intuitive, and there is a toll-free number to call for additional assistance. --Ariel Meadow Stallings

Pros:

• Heats up in 2 to 3 minutes
• Compact
• Priced for home use

Cons:

• Only offers hot laminating--not recommended for photos
• Limited instruction sheet
• Machine must be attended to when plugged in