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       HP was eventually forced to discontinue its low-cost LaserJet e-series printers after customers encountered issues using the HP+ service, DruckerChannel reports. Additionally, the HP+ service requires a constant internet connection, and customers can only use genuine HP ink and toner, with no option for third-party alternatives. While the HP+ service has many benefits, including cloud printing and an extra year of warranty, the mandatory internet connection for low-cost printers has irritated many consumers.
       In any case, to be clear, HP’s printer discontinuation only affects HP LaserJet printers with an “e” at the end of the model number to denote alternative business models. So the HP LaserJet M110w is not affected, but the HP LaserJet M110we and M209dwe (two cheaper always-on printers) will no longer be manufactured or sold by HP.
       Another key point to clarify is that existing HP LaserJet e-series printers will retain the same functionality as when they were purchased. There are currently no software updates that will unlock the true potential of the hardware, so existing customers will have to live with both e-series and HP+ printers until they can replace their printers entirely. At the very least, they will still be able to enjoy the benefits of HP+, but after all the backlash, it would be nice if HP would fully acknowledge the mistake and lift some of the restrictions for e-series users.
       An HP representative had the following to say (translated from German) about the discontinuation of these printers in an interview with DruckerChannel.
       An HP spokesperson said: “Since the launch of HP+, our intelligent connected printing system has been a hit with customers who value its convenience, extended warranty and solutions. We understand that some customers in IT-managed office environments are unable to meet HP+’s cloud-connected needs. To provide customers with a great printing experience across all office environments, we will no longer offer the LaserJet product family for HP+. We plan to extend proven solutions such as Print from Anywhere and Smart Security to select new HP LaserJet devices. Satisfied HP+ customers do not need to make any changes.”
       HP also said that “HP will stop promoting the Instant Ink toner subscription service at the end of 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 service. DruckerChannel speculates that it may have been confused with HP+, and some users even considered it a prerequisite for HP+, so HP decided to discontinue the service to make life easier for end users. At the very least, this move seems redundant.
       Christopher Harper has been a successful freelance technical writer specializing in computer hardware and gaming since 2015. Before that, he worked as a ghostwriter for various B2B clients while in high school. Outside of work, Christopher is best known to friends and rivals as an active participant in various eSports (particularly fighting games and arena shooters) and as a music salesman whose credits include Jimi Hendrix, Killer Mike, and the Sonic Adventure 2 soundtrack.
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