Posted on 05/13/2023 3:29:04 PM PDT by algore
A well-known computer brand has disabled the printers of customers using ink cartridges from rival companies. Hewlett-Packard, or HP, has sparked fury after issuing a recent “firmware” update which blocks customers from using cheaper, non-HP ink cartridges in its printers.
Customers’ devices were remotely updated in line with new terms which mean their printers will not work unless they are fitted with approved ink cartridges. It prevents customers from using any cartridges other than those fitted with an HP chip, which are often more expensive. If the customer tries to use a non-HP ink cartridge, the printer will refuse to print.
HP printers used to display a warning when a “third-party” ink cartridge was inserted, but now printers will simply refuse to print altogether. The printer company said it issued the update to reduce the risk of malware attacks, saying “third-party cartridges that use non-HP chips or circuitry can pose risks to the hardware performance, print quality, and security.”
It also said it used regular updates to improve its services, such as introducing alerts for some customers telling them when their ink is running low.
The consumer group Which? said manufacturers were “actively blocking customers from exerting their right to choose the cheapest ink and therefore get a better deal”.
According to its website, all HP standard printers will block cartridges using a non-HP chip or circuitry. The spokesman added some third-party cartridges reuse the HP chip or electronic circuitry and those that do will function as normal.
Some customers can choose to disable HP’s cartridge-blocking feature in the printer’s settings, HP said, but it depends on the printer model. Others will be stuck with a printer that only works if they commit to spending more on ink cartridges approved by HP.
(Excerpt) Read more at telegraph.co.uk ...
Can’t do that with windows. It overrides
My wife runs both of the Brother printers enough. A color and a BW.
We replaced the last color MFP due to worn drums.
I found a genuine set a few months later. They were discontinued.
That set was replaced and I gave the printer to an aunt.
Works the last I have heard.
We must support HP and the backdoor update disabling ways or the toxic male culture will continue. Buy only trans friendly products even if they break down and hijack your time/money because of Climate Change. Make Dylan Mulvaney proud and buy our crap anyways.
Ditto. I also love the Brother P-touch label printers.
Hp was our go to printer for years. Great workhorse lasers.
Then they no longer worked with the computers.
Bought two brother mfs printers print fax scan and handles small office needs and home needs gracefully. Brother upgraded them and continues to
support them well.
Impressive.
I remember when HP was highly respected for their instrumentation and scientific calculators.
Now they are noted only for bloatware-choked computers and overpriced ink.
Around 2005 I got a good deal from Office Depot for HP cartridges, so I ordered several to stock up.
One day it I installed a new one and it wouldn’t work. I found out they had an expiration date and if you tried to use one after that you were SOL.
Was I ever mad. I had saved so much money for the office! Then I went to the time and date at the bottom right of the screen and set it back to an earlier date. The cartridge installed fine.
“the printer should print angry messages”
I vote for, “PC LOAD LETTER”.
We have Canon 600s that are like that.
Very happy with them. Hubby prints color astrophotography photos ask the time and hasn’t refilled the original ink two years later.
I think it sucks for scanning, though, compared to my old el cheapo HP.
Recently was dumb enough to buy an HP printer. I could not believe how invasive of privacy they are and how badly written were their set-up instructiions were. It’s not a Brother printer, it’s a Big Brother printer.
Blake 7 “Mirror “. Best episode ever
Had a TB filly named Servalan, beautiful bitch that she was.
I have a very old HP laser jet printer. Black only. It works fine but I only use it
for work.
For the home we just bought an Epson eco tank which works great. Far better than the somewhat expensive piece of garbage HP we had.
—”HP B&W laser printers have always been the best.”
I use a big old HP 4050 with a duplexer, but its rollers are occasionally slipping so I’ve been shopping for a replacement when the cartridge is gone.
The article clearly says DO NOT BUT HP!
I bought my last hp printer because it was less expensive than buying the 2 replacement ink cartridges (even non-hp brand) and it was also wireless.
I get home and install it only to find out that hp wants access to a bank account so they can charge for EACH PAGE I PRINT !!! I found out that if the wireless is not on and it is hardwired to the computer that the bank account crap can be bypassed.
However when I moved either it was left in the trash pile by my b.i.l. or was stolen by someone helping with the move. The older hp that needed ink made the move but the scan glass got broken.
I’m waiting for the price of the Epson Ink Tank Printers to drop some more and then get one of them.
Got tired of HP software issues. Their printers suck. bought a canon.
It’s not just ink cartridges.
Think twice about the hp brand (don’t do it).
Brother does the same and then they make it hard to find the cartridges.
Only allow genuine ink in your wife's 3D printer.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.