To distinguish its low cost printers from its most expensive printers, HP wants to make people believe that certain models are Wi-Fi only. Problem: the USB port is actually still there, hidden behind a sticker.
Regularly criticized, the printers will not be helped by the new controversy caused by HP. On Mastodon, a user who responds to the nickname “netspooky” reveals a funny case, which could make you smile if HP had probably not trapped thousands of customers with his subterfuge.
Netspooky bought an entry-level printer, advertised as “Wi-Fi only”. Out of curiosity, he had the good idea to remove the sticker indicating that there was no USB port on the back of the Surprise device, he found behind the sticker a USB port, obviously functional.
A lie to optimize sales
Why hide a USB port behind a “no USB port” sticker? Simply to sell services. By pretending that its low-cost printer is Wi-Fi only, HP is forcing owners to download an app and set up its cloud app or HP Instant Ink, its ink cartridge delivery service. Buyers pay less in store (sometimes less than 50 euros), but risk giving him money through his services. With a USB cable, all you need is Ctrl+P or Cmd+P to print, without any configuration. (And believe us, setting up Wi-Fi on an entry-level printer isn’t easy…)
When he bought this printer, Netspooky had already considered the possibility of a lie from HP. Since HP’s other printers have a USB port and some models resemble the one he owns, Netspooky had guessed, correctly, that HP wasn’t going to bother changing the design of its printer just to sell products. services. The sticker option is ridiculous, but effective. It’s also a good incentive to spend more on a more expensive printer with a wired port.
This is not the first time that HP has been accused of questionable practices with its printers. Remaining ink but cartridge presented as empty, DRM system to prevent the use of cartridges from other brands… Printer manufacturers live in a very closed world, which obliges users to depend on their services.
Are “USB-free” printers marketed in France? From our quick research, even the cheapest models sold here are listed as USB and Wi-Fi (but we didn’t buy any to check). HP France probably takes its customers less for idiots.
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