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HP discontinues online-only LaserJet printers in response to backlash

tomshardware.com

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Re: HP discontinues online-only LaserJet printers in response to backlash

#2
With no apparent way of unlocking these devices promised or foreshown in the article, I wonder how long those e-types already sold with the on-line requirement will keep working. Pretty soon the 'e' at the end of the model number will be short for 'e-waste'.

Re: HP discontinues online-only LaserJet printers in response to backlash

#4

I dream of the day we can come up with good OSS printer firmware as a society. I know it has been discussed to death (as to why it can't happen), but the heart wants what the heart wants.

FWIW, the need for printing has been limited now so the need to engage with some of those awful practices is also minimized.

Still, that was the first time I saw a mention of 'OSS printer can't happen and here is why'. Could you elaborate or give me a link to previous discussions on it? It sounds interesting.

Re: HP discontinues online-only LaserJet printers in response to backlash

#5
I'm probably super biased because I work in a relatively modern office that produces relatively modern tech, but we barely ever use paper for anything anymore. The same goes for my home office use; I moved a few months ago and left my printer behind. With the advent of QR code tickets and parcel barcodes and iOS's Continuity scanning features I just don't see the point of having a space-, paper- and toner-eating monster on my desk anymore. I used to administer about 12 leased Toshiba reproduction units and that has planted a deep seated hatred for printers. Is the public at large wise to avoiding these fuckers like the plague, or am I an outlier?

Re: HP discontinues online-only LaserJet printers in response to backlash

#6
post #5

I'm probably super biased because I work in a relatively modern office that produces relatively modern tech, but we barely ever use paper for anything anymore. The same goes for my home office use; I moved a few months ago and left my printer behind. With the advent of QR code tickets and parcel barcodes and iOS's Continuity scanning features I just don't see the point of having a space-, paper- and toner-eating mons…

I don't understand why is your post relevant to the topic at hand? I assume you're not quite a target market for printers then? Or is it a question because you can't imagine anyone still using paper in the world?

Re: HP discontinues online-only LaserJet printers in response to backlash

#7
post #5

I'm probably super biased because I work in a relatively modern office that produces relatively modern tech, but we barely ever use paper for anything anymore. The same goes for my home office use; I moved a few months ago and left my printer behind. With the advent of QR code tickets and parcel barcodes and iOS's Continuity scanning features I just don't see the point of having a space-, paper- and toner-eating mons…

I try to avoid having a printer, but I have a kid and kids want coloring books and need printed homework assignments.

Re: HP discontinues online-only LaserJet printers in response to backlash

#8
post #6
post #5

I'm probably super biased because I work in a relatively modern office that produces relatively modern tech, but we barely ever use paper for anything anymore. The same goes for my home office use; I moved a few months ago and left my printer behind. With the advent of QR code tickets and parcel barcodes and iOS's Continuity scanning features I just don't see the point of having a space-, paper- and toner-eating mons…

I don't understand why is your post relevant to the topic at hand? I assume you're not quite a target market for printers then? Or is it a question because you can't imagine anyone still using paper in the world?

In the world is a bit large in scope, I’m trying to gauge whether printing in the HN audience is on the decline I imagine it to be.

Re: HP discontinues online-only LaserJet printers in response to backlash

#9
I found one these all-in-one units out on sidewalk and thought I had scored a cool freebie. It was nearly new. Now I know why they threw it away. Total garbage and bricked without that HP+ subscription. Can't use the scanner because the ink is too low. The worst part is that I couldn't even reset the printer to use a new subscription! It was tied to the previous owner at a hardware level and support said I had to contact them to release their account, even though it was no longer active. The HP support forums are full of angry people trying to get away from these units.

Printers are still needed, btw. Maybe not in the USA, but Germany requires all kinds of paper documentation to be mailed. Many other countries as well.

Re: HP discontinues online-only LaserJet printers in response to backlash

#10

I dream of the day we can come up with good OSS printer firmware as a society. I know it has been discussed to death (as to why it can't happen), but the heart wants what the heart wants.

FWIW, the need for printing has been limited now so the need to engage with some of those awful practices is also minimized. Still, that was the first time I saw a mention of 'OSS printer can't happen and here is why'. Could you elaborate or give me a link to previous discussions on it? It sounds interesting.

One of the links: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=35933652
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