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       HP was eventually forced to discontinue its low-cost LaserJet e-series printers after customers had problems using them, according to DruckerChannel. These printers were only available online and were always tied to an HP+ subscription requirement. Among other things, HP+ requires a constant internet connection to use, and customers can only use genuine HP ink and toner, with no third-party alternatives allowed. HP+ has a number of benefits, including cloud printing and an extra year of warranty, but it forces the use of cheaper printers to print online, which has irritated many consumers.
       In any case, it should be clarified that the discontinuation of HP printers will only affect HP LaserJet printers with an “e” at the end of the model name, indicating an alternative business model. Thus, the HP LaserJet M110w will not be affected, but the HP LaserJet M110we and M209dwe, two cheaper always-on alternatives, will no longer be manufactured or sold by HP.
       Another important point to clarify is that existing HP LaserJet e-series printers will continue to work as they did when purchased. There are no software updates that will unlock the true potential of the hardware, so existing customers will have to live with it and HP+ until they can replace their printers entirely. At least they can still take advantage of HP+, but after all the backlash, it would be nice if HP owned up to its mistakes and lifted some of the restrictions for E-series users.
       An HP representative gave the following comments (translated from German) regarding the discontinuation of these printers in an interview with DruckerChannel.
       “Since the launch of HP+, our intelligent network printing system has been a success with customers who value its convenience, extended warranty and solutions,” said an HP spokesperson. “We know that some customers in IT-managed office environments cannot meet the cloud connectivity requirements of HP+. To provide customers with a great printing experience in all office environments, we will no longer offer our LaserJet product family with HP+. We plan to extend proven solutions such as Print from Anywhere and Smart Security to select new HP LaserJet devices. Satisfied HP+ customers [...] will not have to make any adjustments.”
       HP also said that “HP will stop promoting the Instant Ink toner subscription service later this year. New customers will no longer be able to use the service. This will not impact existing Instant Ink toner subscribers, only new subscribers.”
       The reason for discontinuing Instant Ink is unclear, as it was an optional subscription. DruckerChannel suggests that it may have been confused or bundled with HP+, and some customers even thought it required HP+, so HP decided to discontinue the service to make life easier for end users. This move seems unnecessary, to say the least.
       Christopher Harper has been a successful freelance technical writer specializing in computer hardware and gaming since 2015. He previously wrote for several B2B clients while in high school. Outside of work, Christopher is best known for his extensive esports competitions (particularly fighting games and arena shooters) and his music, covering genres such as Jimi Hendrix, Killer Mike, and the Sonic Adventure 2 soundtrack.
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