Last Updated: February 2024
Intended Audience: School staff (e.g. Ops) who maintain their school's copiers
Context: To help schools manage Ponder Paper compatible copiers, below are Ponder's recommended printers.
About Ponder Paper copier compatibility:
For schools to successfully print multi-page, stapled exams, their copiers must have the necessary software and hardware features to ensure compatibility with Print Tool printing.
Key Compatibility Requirements:
- High-Volume Printing: We do not support small desktop printers; copiers must be designed for large-scale printing.
- Sub-Stapling: Copiers must support packet printing, such as stapling every 7th page to print individual student exam packets.
- PDF Processing: Copiers should be capable of handling large PDF files or support Chunking, which breaks files into smaller print jobs for smoother processing.
For more details on copier models used across schools, refer to this tracker. This includes a list of compatible copiers, as well as those flagged by school Ops teams as unreliable due to frequent malfunctions.
Currently Recommended Copiers:
As of February 2025:
- RICOH IM C8000 (SY 24-25 model)
- RICOH Pro 8400S (SY24-25 model)
Important Notes:
-
General Compatibility: The latest RICOH IM and RICOH Pro models are generally compatible with Ponder Paper. However, Ricoh updates its models annually, and changes to software or hardware may affect compatibility. Compatibility Testing: We strongly recommend verifying with the vendor that any copier can print and staple via the Print Tool before purchasing. Ponder is available to support testing upon request.
-
Memory Upgrades: Upgrading a copier’s memory is not necessary, as it does not significantly impact processing performance.
-
Ricoh-Emerald Support: 3 Uncommon Schools (2 middle schools, 1 high school) in NYC currently have a Ricoh-Emerald support technician collaborating with Ponder.
-
Other Models: There are additional copier models on the market that Ponder has not yet verified for compatibility. Schools should contact Ponder to help support copier testing.
Risk of Skipping Compatibility Testing:
Without proper testing, a school may end up with a copier that only functions with workarounds (e.g. Hold Jobs) or is entirely incompatible with Ponder Paper.For any questions or assistance with copier testing, please reach out to your IT support team.
Comments