In a new approach, HP is proposing to radically transform our relationship with printers thanks to its “All-in-One” subscription. This monthly rental service will take the hassle out of purchasing a printer and promises to solve any problems associated with this essential office equipment.
THE HP printers have made headlines recently, not for their performances or their innovative features, but for less rosy reasons. Computer security researchers at F-Secure have identified critical security vulnerabilities in more than 150 models of their printers. These vulnerabilities could allow malicious actors to take control of devices to steal information sensitive or infiltrate more widely into the networks to which these printers are connected.
Alongside the security issues, HP has faced criticism and legal action related to its business practices, including the obligation to use exclusively branded ink cartridges under the pretext of safety. This policy was seen by many as an attempt to monopolize the consumables market and maximize profits, to the detriment of users’ freedom of choice and economy. In this context, the introduction of a monthly subscription could be seen as an attempt by the company to restore its image. By proposing a solution that eliminate worries related to the purchase of consumables and security updates, while providing increased flexibility and peace of mind, the manufacturer could not only improve its image but also set a new standard in the use of printers.
HP reinvents printer use with this monthly subscription
Subscription HP “All-in-One” is not just a printer rental offer; this is a service that aims to eliminate the usual hassles associated with using printers. For a price starting at around 7 euros per monthusers not only benefit from an inkjet printer, but also a regular supply of inktechnical assistance 7 days a week and the possibility of upgrade their equipment every two years. This approach ensures that users always have access to a functional equipment and necessary consumables, without the inconvenience of maintenance or renewal of supplies. But be careful, the crucial aspect of this formula is the limitation of the number of pages that can be printed each month, which can quickly increase the cost of this subscription to 36 euros per month.
However, this convenience comes with some concernsparticularly in terms of private life and ecology. To ensure the service functions properly, HP requires printers to be constantly connected to the internet, which poses security and confidentiality issues. Indeed, this implies the data gathering on users’ printing habits. Furthermore, although the manufacturer promotes the ecological aspect of its service by recycling printers and cartridges, promoting the renewal of devices every two years could, paradoxically, contribute to a increase in electronic waste. These elements merit careful consideration by potential users, who must weigh the benefits of convenience against the broader implications of subscription.
Source: HP