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

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21–30 of 177 posts

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

#22

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 consumer choice is a very weak weapon against your freedoms being taken away. Political action is what corporations fear, in particular the threat of organized support behind ideas to regulate them more heavily.

Edit: RMS quote: "All in all, I think it is a mistake to defend people’s rights with one hand tied behind our backs, using nothing except the individual option to say no to a deal. We should use democracy to organize and together impose limits on what the rich can do to the rest of us. That’s what democracy was invented for!"

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

#23

Epson with their ink-tank system is where the future is at. I see this being used widely around people I know.

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.

I just took delivery of my first color laser printer and while I agree with the benefits, I was a little surprised at how large it is (mine is an HP M553dn). This of course makes sense: it needs space for four toner cartridges. I can however imagine many people having insufficient counter space to host a color laser printer.

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

#24
post #13

A brother MFC is $250, is sturdier and does not hate me as a consumer. Changing a toner is $50 per cartridge. I recommend it to every person looking for a printer: Buy a laser printer.

Seconded. I think I'm on my third toner cartridge in 6 years for my Brother MFC.

I bought whatever model consumer reports recommended at the time.

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

#25

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.

EFF is calling for HP to publicly promise not to invoke section 1201 of DMCA against researchers and aftermarket vendors. This is necessary in order for anyone in the U.S. to develop open-source software or firmware for HP printers.

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

#26
how much does it cost to setup a factory to produce a half decent printer-scanner with ink cartridges and ink supplies? this entire industry is broken. surely basic printers are so well understood by now that every component is a commodity?

for the majority of people, a printer that simply just works is good enough. you do not need to upgrade every year. you do not need the latest in ink technology - you want photo prints, do it properly online.

manufacturers like HP et al only introduce different printer models / cartridges / drivers etc etc to keep people upgrading.

so, what's the cost of doing this? i'd consider it a gift to humanity.

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

#27
post #13

A brother MFC is $250, is sturdier and does not hate me as a consumer. Changing a toner is $50 per cartridge. I recommend it to every person looking for a printer: Buy a laser printer.

But as a company they cripple other products

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

#28
post #13

A brother MFC is $250, is sturdier and does not hate me as a consumer. Changing a toner is $50 per cartridge. I recommend it to every person looking for a printer: Buy a laser printer.

I got my Brother MFC for around $50 with some clever rebate-stacking. It's an awesome little printer that plays very well with Linux. Highly recommended!

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

#29
post #22

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 consumer choice is a very weak weapon against your freedoms being taken away. Political action is what corporations fear, in particular the threat of organized support behind ideas to regulate them more heavily. Edit: RMS quote: "All in all, I think it is a mistake to defend people’s rights with one hand tied behind our backs, using nothing except the individual option to say no to a deal. We should use democ…

Why would they fear regulation? Their competitors become subject to the same restrictions.
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