HP Tries Desperately to Make 'Printer as a Subscription' a Thing

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Overall reaction to HP’s subscription model

  • Widespread hostility toward “printer as a subscription,” seen as peak rent‑seeking and “enshittification.”
  • Many view the “unlimited ink but capped pages” framing as deceptive; accusations that HP hides low page limits and cancellation fees in hard‑to‑find UI.
  • Some argue this is a continuation of the razor‑and‑blades / DRM cartridge model, now evolved into subscriptions.
  • Several comments lament HP’s decline from respected hardware company to ink‑driven revenue machine, blaming MBA‑style focus on recurring revenue over product quality.

Experiences with HP programs (Instant Ink / All‑In Plan)

  • One perspective: Instant Ink is optional, page‑based (you buy pages, not ink), and can be cost‑effective for frequent users; complaints are blamed on users misunderstanding the terms or trying to game the system.
  • Counterpoints: if a “good” program is routinely misunderstood, that’s a design problem; users feel cheated when cartridges stop working after cancellation because they see themselves as having “bought ink.”
  • New “All‑In” style plans are criticized for low included pages (e.g., 0–20/month for $7), multi‑year commitments, and sizable early‑cancellation fees.

Alternatives and practical strategies

  • Strong trend toward avoiding HP entirely.
  • Brother laser printers are heavily recommended for reliability and low hassle, especially B/W; however:
    • Reports that Brother is adding cartridge DRM and pushing its own subscription (EZ‑Print).
    • Brother color/inkjet quality described as inferior to Epson/Canon for prosumer photo work.
  • Other brands mentioned positively: Canon and Epson EcoTank for color/photo, some Kyocera and Brother color lasers for office‑style use.
  • Many users abandon home color/photo printing altogether, using pharmacies, FedEx/Staples, or libraries instead; often cheaper and more reliable.

DRM, privacy, and UX concerns

  • Complaints about firmware updates adding DRM, blocking third‑party cartridges, and locking OEM‑only toner.
  • HP Smart app criticized for requiring accounts even to scan, asking for camera access, and installing background tasks.
  • Fears that print/scan data may be monetized or used to train AI, plus criticism of HP’s privacy policy.

Open‑source and structural issues

  • Repeated desire for open‑source 2D printers, but skepticism:
    • Patent “minefield,” tiny market, and cost disadvantages vs mass manufacturers.
    • Open firmware alone wouldn’t stop OEMs from enforcing consumables DRM.
  • Some note that subscription/lease models make sense for high‑volume office copiers with bundled maintenance, but not for low‑volume home use.