HP has discontinued its e-series LaserJet printers following widespread consumer dissatisfaction with the printers’ mandatory online connection of the HP+ scheme.
The decision, reported by German media outlet §, addresses growing frustration among users who have been forced to maintain a constant internet connection and use HP original ink and toner, with cheaper and more accessible third-party alternatives prohibited.
The LaserJet e-series models, identifiable by an ‘e’ suffix in their models names, now look to have been pulled from sale.
I was beginning to think there was no limit to what consumers would take.
But apparently it’s just that there is ALMOST no limit, which is better but we remain in a sad state of lack of consumer awareness.
Efficient free market economics requires something like perfect up-front information or zero switching cost to solve this. Those things are fictitious so, predictably, free market economics has not solved printer bullshit.
I’d like to see regulations addressing the up-front information aspect. If we require neon stickers for “needs account” “needs subscription” and “proprietary replacement parts” on all hardware products, people would be better able to dodge scams and cons like HP.
You mean consumers aren’t both rational and omniscient?
“Requires subscription. Monthly cost: $XX, total cost over 5y: $XXX” should do it
Or take the ad-supported option, where it prints out ads on your documents!
Ads for the toner, which they’re wasting because fuck you, and also ads to not use third party anything, lest you want the printer and your computer bricked.