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 compelled to discontinue its cheaper e-series LaserJet printers because 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 options for use in any respect. There are advantages to HP+, together with cloud printing and an additional yr’s guarantee, however the compelled on-line requirement for a less expensive printer left a nasty style within the mouths of many shoppers.
In any case, it is necessary to make clear that this discontinuation of HP printers will solely affect HP LaserJet printers which have an “e” added to the top of their mannequin identify 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 options, will now not be produced or offered by HP.
One other vital level of clarification is that the present HP e-series LaserJet printer fashions within the wild will nonetheless perform 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 change their printers completely. No less than they will nonetheless get HP+ advantages, however after such backlash, it might be good if HP acknowledged its mistake sufficient to take away a number 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 good, linked 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 satisfy 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 resembling Print from Wherever and Sensible Safety to pick out new HP LaserJet units. HP+ prospects who’re glad […] don’t have to make any changes.”
The HP consultant additionally disclosed that “HP will cease advertising and marketing the On the spot Ink toner subscription service later this yr. The service will now not be obtainable to new prospects. This is not going to 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 elective subscription. DruckerChannel speculates it might have been getting confused or conflated with HP+ and that some prospects might even suppose it required HP+, so HP opted to discontinue the service to simplify issues for finish customers. That step, not less than, looks like a slight overcorrection.
