Looking to buy a new printer?
You may want to reconsider if you’re considering a new HP printer!
Hewlett-Packard has recently begun a new program called the HP+ Smart Printing System. These new printers include new labeling with “HP+”, identifiable by the big orange logo or wording like “Free 6 months of toner with this printer” on the tag or box. Please be aware of what you’re actually getting with this new rollout.
What is HP+?
Simply put, HP+ is a way for HP to track your printer usage in hopes of getting you to subscribe to their “Instant Ink” service. Instant Ink is advertised as cheaper ink, but it’s really just a way for HP to charge you for every single page you print. Ending your Instant Ink subscription means your current ink/toner cartridges will stop working.
In addition, HP+ printers can ONLY use factory toner and ink cartridges. Remanufactured and 3rd party ink and toner will not work in HP+ enabled printers. And you can NOT opt out of this service. The only way to dodge this bullet is to buy a model that does not have the HP+ service embedded.
In addition to the updated logos, HP+ printer can be identified by the letter “e” at the end of the model number (e.g. HP m209dwe). You can find non-HP+ printer model numbers here: https://www.hp.com/us-en/printers/hp-plus/standard.html
The most important thing is that you, as an end user, are aware of what is going on before you commit to a purchase that will cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars over the lifetime of the printer. At the end of the day, if you don’t mind the idea of HP tracking your printing habits or charging you per page, and want the convenience of them automatically sending you new factory ink/toner cartridges when the printer detects it’s getting low, then there is nothing wrong with this service!
If you need help finding the right printer for you, please call us at 858-880-0355 x2. We’ll be happy to help and advise!