You May Not Want an HP+ Printer
ITS recently helped a client set up an HP+ printer, a new "premium" (at least in label) offering from HP.
The initial setup was straightforward. The client had a laptop with wireless and HP's software offered to connect to the printer. It does this by connecting to the "setup wireless" network broadcast by an out-of-the-box printer. It then configures the printer with the Wi-Fi credentials stored on the laptop.
From there things went downhill a bit. HP requires a free "HP+ account" to finish printer setup and "activate" the printer. This process requires the person to attest they will only use HP ink/toner, for the life of the printer. That could be an issue in 5+ years when (based on past experience) the price of HP ink/toner increases due to decreasing demand. As HP notes, "If you insert cartridges that do not contain original ink or toner, your HP+ printer can lose the ability to print until original HP cartridges are inserted."
Don't get us wrong, third party toner has its downsides. Remanufactured ink or toner cartridges, as a whole, have a higher chance of leaking or not operating correctly, and not all (re)manufacturers are equal. However, they can cost up to 80% less than branded toner.
HP also offers an optional service called "Instant Ink" to automatically purchase and deliver ink/toner when they think your printer is running low.
HP+ requires the printer be connected to the Internet: "While the printer is disconnected, you might be able to print a limited amount, but eventually the printer stops working. To resume printing, connect the printer to the internet again."
We have also read that HP can now "lock" a specific cartridge to a given printer, so it cannot be moved to another printer, even if it is the same model.
All in all, HP is actively trying to prevent use of third-party ink and toner.
November 2021
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