HP discontinues online-only LaserJet printers in response to backlash
HP’s decision to discontinue its online-only “e”-series LaserJet printers after consumer backlash is seen as a predictable response to anger over mandatory connectivity, subscriptions, and remote control over basic functions. Commenters contrast HP’s older, reliable hardware with its newer “enshittified” ecosystem, describing bricked devices, account lock-in, and ink-gated scanning as turning printers into e‑waste. Many argue this erosion of ownership reflects broader corporate incentives to chase recurring revenue, even as everyday printing needs decline and users increasingly seek simpler, offline-friendly alternatives like basic Brother lasers or local copy shops.
Reaction to HP’s Online-Only / HP+ LaserJets
- Many see the online-only “e” models as a predictable disaster: confusing, consumer-hostile, and likely to end as e‑waste once accounts lapse or servers change.
- People describe devices effectively “bricked” without HP+ or Instant Ink: printers tied to previous owners’ accounts, scanners disabled when ink is low, and no clear path to unlock them.
- Some note the one upside of clear labeling: the “e” suffix now acts as a warning of models to avoid.
Subscriptions, Ownership, and E‑Waste
- Strong resentment toward subscription and account requirements for basic printing and scanning; users expected “just a printer,” not a service gatekeeper.
- Several argue the main “innovation” in printing has been erosion of ownership and lock‑in, not better tech.
- Concerns that discontinued or canceled subscriptions turn hardware into toxic e‑waste.
Experiences with HP vs Alternatives
- Older HP LaserJets and multifunctions are praised as rock‑solid and simple; newer consumer HP gear is called unreliable, overcomplicated, and scam‑like.
- Some describe HP’s brand as having gone from industry gold standard to something they now actively boycott.
- Brother laser printers (especially simple B&W) and non‑HP tank inkjets are repeatedly recommended as “they just work” alternatives.
How Much Do People Still Print?
- Usage is clearly down for many: digital tickets, QR codes, e‑signatures, and scanning via phones reduce day‑to‑day printing.
- Others still rely on printers for kids’ homework, reading papers on paper, boarding‑pass backups, shipping labels, and occasional government or legal documents.
- For very low volume, some prefer libraries or copy shops; others say the time and hassle make a cheap home laser worth it.
Government, Paperwork, and Regional Differences
- Germany and other countries are said to still demand significant paper mail; others (e.g., Denmark, some EU states) have mandatory digital government mailboxes.
- Several note real problems with digital‑only systems: fragile audit trails, expiring signatures, court acceptance issues, and state control over records.
Business Models, Corporate Incentives, and “Enshittification”
- Many argue HP leadership likely understood the downsides but followed stock‑market pressure to become a “subscription/software” company.
- Comparisons are made to airlines’ baggage fees, game microtransactions, smart TVs, and other markets where companies push boundaries until consumers protest.
- Some see this as a broader pattern: short‑term revenue focus, gradual normalization of worse terms, and loss of long‑term brand value.
Ideas for Better Printers / Tech Maturity
- One subthread suggests there is still room for real innovation—better finishing, cutting/binding, APIs, smarter workflows—while others counter that most “new” ideas either exist already or offer little real value.
- Overall sentiment: printers remain necessary but are widely disliked, and HP is viewed as a central example of how to make them worse.