Supported Hardware
PostalPoint is designed for compatibility with a large variety of hardware. If you have a device that isn't listed, there's no harm in trying to make it work with PostalPoint. We'd also be happy to borrow it for a week or two and certify it, releasing a PostalPoint software update to add compatibility if needed.
Computer
For hardware, any computer with sufficient performance and USB ports will work with PostalPoint.
Recommended Minimum Hardware
- Intel 6th-generation i5 (or most modern x86 CPUs from the past eight years or so, excluding the extreme low end)
- 8GB RAM
- 30GB available storage on solid-state drive
- Keyboard
- Minimum 1024x768 display
- Recommended 1280x1024 or larger touchscreen display
Recommended Software/Operating System
For full support and the best experience, we recommend Linux-based operating systems. Printers are plug-and-play with no drivers or setup required, labels and receipts print faster, and PostalPoint software updates are automatic and do not interrupt the user.
We have tested and officially support the following operating systems:
- Ubuntu 22.04 LTS
- Debian 12
- Linux Mint 21
It should not matter which desktop environment you use. We have tested with KDE, LXDE, Cinnamon, and GNOME.
Discouraged Software/Operating System
Windows is not recommended. It is slower, less secure, less reliable, and much harder to configure than Linux. For example, we've spent multiple days of expensive developer time to find a reliable solution for printing labels on Windows, and even after all that you are still required to change obscure and unfriendly printer settings before anything will print correctly.
PostalPoint only provides a Windows installer as a courtesy. Please move to a secure and modern Linux operating system as soon as possible.
We have tested PostalPoint on Windows 10, but Windows 11 should also work.
Label Printers
PostalPoint supports any 203 or 300 DPI USB-connected thermal label printer that uses the ZPL, EPL2, or TSPL2 languages. PostalPoint interfaces directly with these printers, bypassing normal printer drivers. (Note: on Windows, you will still need to install and configure the printer, then manually change the driver to Generic/Text Only. Detailed instructions can be easily found on various websites. See the recommended software section above.)
While not recommended due to inferior performance, speed, and quality, PostalPoint also supports printing labels via any printer installed on the computer and configured through CUPS or Windows.
On Linux, PostalPoint prints image data via the lp
command.
Printers must be capable of printing at least four inches wide, as that is the standard width of shipping labels.
Certified Label Printers
The following models have been tested and certified for PostalPoint. You should experience no compatibility issues with these printers.
- Zebra/Eltron/UPS LP2844 (EPL2)
- Zebra GK420d (ZPL)
- HotLabel A300 (TSPL2)
- Gprinter GP-1324D (TSPL2)
Receipt Printers
Any standard ESC/POS 80mm wide thermal receipt printer which presents as a serial port or raw print queue should work fine with PostalPoint. This includes most USB thermal receipt printers on the market, both name-brand ones and cheap Chinese clones.
Scales
PostalPoint should support any USB scale following the USB HID POS (Point of Sale) specification. Most scales that have a USB connection on both sides (i.e. not using a serial port on the scale) follow this specification.
Due to postal weighing requirements, scales used should be accurate to 0.1oz, at least on the low end of their range. This is sometimes marketed as 0.005lb or 0.005kg accuracy, which are close enough to be practically equal for mailing purposes.
Note that 47 U.S. states require scales used in commerce to be NTEP certified as of 2022; using a scale in violation of state laws can result in fines or other penalties.
Certified Scales
All these scales are NTEP-certified and accurate to 0.1 ounces up to at least 7lbs. The Mettler-Toledo scales listed are very robust and long-lasting; we suggest saving a few hundred dollars by searching the used market before buying new.
- Mettler-Toledo PS3L (70lbs max)
- Mettler-Toledo PS6L (150lbs max)
- Mettler-Toledo PS15 (30lbs max)
- Mettler-Toledo BC Scale BCA-222-30U-1501-110, BCA-222-30U-1531-110, BCA-222-30U-153A-110, BCA-222-30U-U501-110 (70lbs max)
- Mettler-Toledo BC Scale BCA-222-6LU-1501-110 (150lbs max)
- Pitney Bowes JP85 (a rebranded Mettler-Toledo BC scale)
- Pitney Bowes MP49 (a rebranded Mettler-Toledo PS3L scale)
- Pitney Bowes MP30 (a rebranded Mettler-Toledo PS15)
- Pitney Bowes JN75/JB75 (serial only, use Toledo protocol)
- Prime Scales PS-B130 (serial only, use PS-IN202 protocol)
Barcode Scanners
As with scales, PostalPoint supports the USB HID POS specification for barcode scanners. However, unlike with scales, many scanners do not follow the specification, and the ones which do typically require additional setup. Check your scanner's manual for those instructions. Non-compliant scanners will be evaluated and support added on a model-by-model basis.
PostalPoint also supports barcode scanners which present as serial or serial-over-USB. If your scanners supports both serial and USB HID, HID is preferred as the setup within PostalPoint is automatic. If PostalPoint won't respond to your scanner, change modes and try again.
USB scanners in the certified lists should automatically work in PostalPoint once placed in the correct mode by scanning a programming barcode from the owner's manual.
If possible, pick a scanner from the first list below.
USB POS Certified Scanners
- Honeywell Voyager XP 1470g (set to "USB HID") Scan these barcodes to program it for PostalPoint
Other USB Certified Scanners
- HZGrow GM812, GM805 (set to "HID-POS")
Serial-over-USB Certified Scanners
- Honeywell Voyager XP 1470g (set to "USB Serial")
- HZGrow GM812, GM805 (set to "USB Virtual serial port")
Non-certified but should work
- Zebra Symbol DS6707 (on Linux, set to "Simple COM Port Emulation". "USB OPOS Handheld" also functions but has a limited barcode length, so Quick Send barcodes won't work.)