Per a report from DruckerChannel, HP has lastly been compelled to discontinue its cheaper e-series LaserJet printers as a result of clients 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 clients 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 essential to make clear that this discontinuation of HP printers will solely affect HP LaserJet printers which have an “e” added to the tip 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 options, will not be produced or offered by HP.
One other important level of clarification is that the present HP e-series LaserJet printer fashions within the wild will nonetheless operate precisely as they did once they have been bought. No software program updates are forthcoming to unlock the true potential of the {hardware}, so current clients must take care of it and HP+ till they’ll exchange their printers totally. Not less than they’re going to nonetheless get HP+ advantages, however after such backlash, it might be good if HP acknowledged its mistake sufficient to take away among 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.
“For the reason that introduction of HP+, our sensible, linked printing system has been embraced by clients who respect the comfort, prolonged guarantee, and options,” mentioned the HP consultant, “We all know that some clients in IT-managed workplace environments are unable to fulfill the cloud connection necessities for HP+. To supply our clients with an distinctive printing expertise in all workplace environments, we are going to not supply LaserJet sequence merchandise with HP+. We plan to increase confirmed options similar to Print from Anyplace and Sensible Safety to pick new HP LaserJet gadgets. HP+ clients who’re glad […] don’t must make any changes.”
The HP consultant additionally disclosed that “HP will cease advertising the Immediate Ink toner subscription service later this yr. The service will not be obtainable to new clients. This won’t have an effect on current Immediate Ink toner subscribers, solely these new to the service.”
The explanations for Immediate Ink’s discontinuation are much less clear, because it was an optionally available subscription. DruckerChannel speculates it could have been getting confused or conflated with HP+ and that some clients could even suppose it required HP+, so HP opted to discontinue the service to simplify issues for finish customers. That step, not less than, seems like a slight overcorrection.
