Facing Backlash, HP Ends Online-Only LaserJet Printer Program – HP

According to a DruckerChannel report. HP was eventually forced to end its cheaper printing service. With the LaserJet e-series, many customers were having ongoing issues with their subscriptions, which, among other things, required the printers to be constantly connected to the internet, in addition to the requirements of the HP+ subscription model. Among other things, HP+ requires a constant internet connection, while customers must only use original HP inks, while the use of third-party offers is strictly prohibited. HP+ also comes with benefits such as cloud printing and an extra year of warranty, but the mandatory internet connection in exchange for a cheaper printer has left many customers unhappy.

However, it should be emphasized that this termination only affects LaserJet printers that have the letter e at the end of their model. After that, the LaserJet M110w remains unaffected, but the LaserJet M110we and M209we, two cheaper alternatives that are always available online, will no longer be manufactured and sold by HP.

It is also worth noting that existing e-series LaserJet models will continue to work exactly as they did when they were purchased. There will be no software upgrades to allow the machines to show their full capabilities, so existing customers will have to stick with the subscription model until they decide to replace their printers entirely. At the very least, they will continue to enjoy the benefits of the subscription, but after this backlash it would be nice if HP admitted its mistake to the point of removing some of the restrictions it imposed on subscription users of the e-series printers in question.

Speaking to DruckerChannel, an HP spokesperson said that while the company believes the program has been well-received by the public, it recognizes that some of its customers are unable to meet the cloud connectivity requirements imposed by the HP+ subscription package. For this reason, the company will not continue the program and will instead expand the use of proven, easy-to-use offerings, such as Print Anywhere and Smart Security services, to select new HP LaserJet devices.

The company representative also revealed that HP will stop marketing its Instant Ink subscription service later this year. The service is already unavailable to new customers, but the termination will not affect existing subscribers.

The reasons for ending Instant Ink are also unclear, as it was an optional subscription service. It is possible that customers confused it with HP+ and some may have thought that an HP+ subscription was required to access Instant Ink, so HP chose to end the service to simplify the situation for end customers. If this is indeed the case, it was a somewhat over-the-top decision, as the issues were with HP+ and the strict restrictions it imposed, not Instant Ink.