HP discontinues online-only LaserJet printers in response to backlash — On the spot Ink subscription will get the boot, too
Per a report from DruckerChannel, HP has lastly been pressured to discontinue its cheaper e-series LaserJet printers as a result of prospects experiencing issues with their online-only and all the time tied to HP+ subscription necessities. Amongst different issues, HP+ requires a everlasting Web connection, and prospects solely use HP-original ink and toners, not permitting for third-party alternate options for use in any respect. There are advantages to HP+, together with cloud printing and an additional yr’s guarantee, however the pressured on-line requirement for a less expensive printer left a nasty style within the mouths of many customers.
In any case, it is vital to make clear that this discontinuation of HP printers will solely impression HP LaserJet printers which have an “e” added to the top of their mannequin title to indicate the choice enterprise mannequin. So, the HP Laserjet M110w is unaffected by this, however the HP LaserJet M110we and M209dwe, two cheaper always-online alternate options, will now not be produced or offered by HP.
One other important level of clarification is that the prevailing HP e-series LaserJet printer fashions within the wild will nonetheless operate precisely as they did after they have been bought. No software program updates are forthcoming to unlock the true potential of the {hardware}, so current prospects must cope with it and HP+ till they will substitute their printers completely. A minimum of they’re going to nonetheless get HP+ advantages, however after such backlash, it would be good if HP acknowledged its mistake sufficient to take away a few of the restrictions on e-series printer customers.
Chatting with DruckerChannel, an HP consultant had the next to say (translated from German) on the discontinuation of those printers.
“Because the introduction of HP+, our sensible, related printing system has been embraced by prospects who respect the comfort, prolonged guarantee, and options,” mentioned the HP consultant, “We all know that some prospects in IT-managed workplace environments are unable to fulfill the cloud connection necessities for HP+. To supply our prospects with an distinctive printing expertise in all workplace environments, we are going to now not provide LaserJet sequence merchandise with HP+. We plan to increase confirmed options corresponding to Print from Wherever and Good Safety to pick new HP LaserJet gadgets. HP+ prospects who’re happy […] don’t have to make any changes.”
The HP consultant additionally disclosed that “HP will cease advertising the On the spot Ink toner subscription service later this yr. The service will now not be obtainable to new prospects. This won’t have an effect on current On the spot Ink toner subscribers, solely these new to the service.”
The explanations for On the spot Ink’s discontinuation are much less clear, because it was an non-obligatory subscription. DruckerChannel speculates it might have been getting confused or conflated with HP+ and that some prospects could even assume it required HP+, so HP opted to discontinue the service to simplify issues for finish customers. That step, a minimum of, seems like a slight overcorrection.