Systems and methods which implement hybrid postage printer technology are shown. Embodiments provide a postage printing apparatus having a printable area larger than that associated with a postage meter stamp printed thereby and which can accommodate a variety of mail item and other media sizes. Embodiments employ a movable platen to accommodate various media thicknesses. Embodiments accommodate any size mail item or other media using a "C" configuration to allow a mail item or other media to extend beyond the print mechanism in at least three directions. According to an embodiment, the postage printer includes a web browser for hosting postage generation client software and to communicate with a postage generation server via the Internet or other network. Embodiments utilize a commercially available ink cartridge filled with a ink unique to postage metering applications and one or more color ink cartridges.