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What HP Must Do to Make Amends for Its Self-Destructing Printers

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Re: What HP Must Do to Make Amends for Its Self-Destructing Printers

#11

Post by daenney »

SyneRyder wrote: post #5

I generally like the EFF, and I'm a member (albeit at a low paying level)... but if you're really unhappy about this, isn't it better just to stop buying HP printer products? Rather than being so activist & "omg outrage!", why doesn't the EFF publish a list of printers that the EFF currently does recommend? Almost like the Wirecutter does with their product testing reviews. (It sounds like Epson might be one alternat…

Sure it's nice to boycott them but doing it this way has the (slim?) potential of getting that change reverted, restoring full functionality/compatibility to current customers.

That said, I really do want to see someone compile that list you suggested.

Re: What HP Must Do to Make Amends for Its Self-Destructing Printers

#14

Post by awinder »

SyneRyder wrote: post #5

I generally like the EFF, and I'm a member (albeit at a low paying level)... but if you're really unhappy about this, isn't it better just to stop buying HP printer products? Rather than being so activist & "omg outrage!", why doesn't the EFF publish a list of printers that the EFF currently does recommend? Almost like the Wirecutter does with their product testing reviews. (It sounds like Epson might be one alternat…

Because they've already defrauded existing customers?

Re: What HP Must Do to Make Amends for Its Self-Destructing Printers

#16

Post by maxerickson »

jawns wrote: post #12

I notice that the letter never alleges that HP's actions are illegal, only that they are anti-consumer. Can anyone chime in on the legality of what HP has done? Aren't bait-and-switch tactics generally illegal?

The information included with the product likely states that it should only be used with HP inks. No bait, no switch.

Re: What HP Must Do to Make Amends for Its Self-Destructing Printers

#17

Post by jasonkostempski »

Why is the EFF getting involved now? HP has been doing stuff like this for well over 15 years. And why are they calling for apologies and promises? They should be calling for open source software and firmware so things like this can't happen.

Re: What HP Must Do to Make Amends for Its Self-Destructing Printers

#18

Post by ZanyProgrammer »

onion2k wrote: post #7
in_the_sticks wrote: post #6

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Why? Color laser printers are getting fairly cheap (mine's a basic printer, granted, but it was quite a bit cheaper than the cheapest EcoTank models). You don't have to worry about your ink drying out or print heads getting clogged.

That's great if you print a couple of hundred pages a year, but if you print a couple of hundred pages a day a cheap color laser printer will be very expensive to run and it'll break down often enough to be a significant problem. No doubt your printer serves you well, but that doesn't mean it's a good solution for everyone.

If you're printing a couple of hundred pages a day, I'd assume its for work and that's part of the cost of doing business. In my personal life I print out like a dozen pages a year? Mostly boarding passes.

Re: What HP Must Do to Make Amends for Its Self-Destructing Printers

#19

Post by jawns »

maxerickson wrote: post #16
jawns wrote: post #12

I notice that the letter never alleges that HP's actions are illegal, only that they are anti-consumer. Can anyone chime in on the legality of what HP has done? Aren't bait-and-switch tactics generally illegal?

The information included with the product likely states that it should only be used with HP inks. No bait, no switch.

should, or must?

I've seen plenty of products that say you should use only manufacturer-approved products.

But I know in the U.S. manufacturers aren't allowed to void warranties just because a third-party component is used.

But can manufacturers really step around that by disabling the ability to use third-party components?

Re: What HP Must Do to Make Amends for Its Self-Destructing Printers

#20

Post by supergreg »

SyneRyder wrote: post #5

I generally like the EFF, and I'm a member (albeit at a low paying level)... but if you're really unhappy about this, isn't it better just to stop buying HP printer products? Rather than being so activist & "omg outrage!", why doesn't the EFF publish a list of printers that the EFF currently does recommend? Almost like the Wirecutter does with their product testing reviews. (It sounds like Epson might be one alternat…

A chart like they did for messaging apps would be nice. Show the pros and cons, let the consumer decide and even bring light to little known, well behaved players if there are any :^)
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