HP has launched a new subscription that lets you rent a printer (with a certain page limit) and ink for a monthly fee. The company says the service should simplify access to printing for families and small businesses (although the deal includes monitoring from HP and multi-year commitments).
The cheapest subscription, which includes an HP Envy printer (current model 6020e) and 20 printed pages, starts at $6.99/month. While the most expensive — renting an HP OfficeJet Pro and 700 printed pages — will cost $35.99/month (unused pages can be carried over to the next month or additional ones can be ordered in case of shortage).
HP promises to deliver ink when it runs out and 24/7 phone or chat support. The subscription terms state that the service “does not cover damage or failure caused, incidentally, by the use of non-HP media or other products” or if you use your printer more than your plan allows. HP’s attitude towards the use of third-party cartridges has been known for a long time – the company blocked this possibility through micro-updating printers, for which it received a number of lawsuits.
The most interesting aspect of the subscription, pointed out by Ars Technica, is the requirement that subscribers keep their printers connected to the Internet (some users avoid this because the device works fine without Internet access). Meanwhile, the lack of connection can prevent the installation of micro-updates, which we mentioned above.
The company explains the requirement that through the Internet it will be able to track details important to the subscription (such as the status of ink cartridges, the number of pages used) and “prevent unauthorized use of your account.”
The All-In-Plan (as the new subscription is called) privacy policy also states that HP may “share information about you with advertising partners” so that they can “recognize your devices,” deliver targeted advertising, and potentially “combine information about you with from other companies” with which HP works. The policy also states that users can opt out of sharing personal data.
Another important detail is that HP will charge subscribers who cancel before the end date up to $270 plus tax (however, the “penalty” will not apply after two years of subscription and returning the rental printer and cartridges within 10 days of cancellation).
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