HP shoots own foot?

[muckshifter]

HP is “region coding” new printers, making imported cartridges incompatible with the devices.

The cartridges have a chip coded with the region, which is read by software in the printers. A mismatch means the printer won’t work. For example, a British user who buys a printer in the US can’t use British cartridges or vice versa.

HP says the move is a means to avoid currency fluctuations. “Price volatility can be confusing for customers, as they don’t know what to expect each time they go to the store. By introducing a regional approach we can offer greater certainty.”

However, country coding is a trick borrowed from the entertainment industry, which uses it on DVDs to stop grey imports … where people buy consumables at a cheaper price in other countries.

Users will still be able to use refilled cartridges according to HP, as long as they match the printer’s region. But there will be a delay in getting these to market.

“We need to get enough cartridges, find ways to refill them and make sure inks are compatible. This takes time, so we may not see compatible refills for a year or so,” said Keith Moss, chairman of UK Cartridge Remanufactures’ Association.

The four regions are … Western Europe, Eastern Europe, the Americas and the Far East. People who move between countries can contact HP to arrange for the printer to be reset to the new region.

www.hp.com/uk


I can no longer recommend anybody buys a HP printer … unless it is “chip” free.

Mucks.

 

[Ian]

That is ridiculous! Limiting where you can and can't buy cartridges.

Is the main problem importers buying bulk loads from other countries at 1/3 the price? I can't imagine this would effect many consumers directly, but would stop many grey imports - and make refills much harder.

Crazy!

Comments like :

Price volatility can be confusing for customers, as they don’t know what to expect each time they go to the store. By introducing a regional approach we can offer greater certainty.

Really get on my nerves. I'd have some respect for their business sense if they at least told something resembling the truth, but I somehow don't think chipping cartridges is beneficial to the consumer!

 

[floppybootstomp]

Well that's a damn shame cos in my experience HP make the best printers and I have tried most brands.

I did try refilling my HP Black ink cartridge a coupla years back, used a hypo and a bottle of black ink.

It worked well for the first two refills but the third didn't work well at all, so I didn't do that again.

Might have to reconsider though

Another thought: The code that the printer will recognise will probably be in a magnetic strip on the cartridge, it may be possible to take that off an old HP cartridge and stick it on your imported one.

It may also be possible to load your printer with firmware meant for another continent.

There may also be solutions appearing on the Net...

But mostly, tbh, it won't affect me cos I only ever buy HP cartridges anyway, Amazon seem to give the best prices for genuine HP cartridges.

 

[muckshifter]

HP have always made it hard to “buy an alternative” cartridge … I myself have only just recently found a company that uses refurbished cartridges that are reliable, uses excellent ink and are also inexpensive.

Although that company will not go out of business I’m sure they may well loose some well earned revenue.

I’ve had my HP for three years now, I’ve always bought HP … but I may just look at an alternative printer manufacturer it this one dies.

 

[floppybootstomp]

I myself have only just recently found a company that uses refurbished cartridges that are reliable, uses excellent ink and are also inexpensive.

Really? Pray tell, good Sir

I've tried several refurbed cartridges, they've never really been much good, which is why I stuck to the HP cartridges in the end.

I really do think one of the biggest considerations when buying a printer is it's economy. You can pick up a printer for thirty quid but the printing fees will be astronomical.

It's said that printer manufacturers make their money from selling Ink cartridges and will more or less give away the lower range of printers to ensure ink cartridge sales.

In much the same way that a good razor is cheap, but the blades cost a packet.

 

[muckshifter]

Get an electric razor ... or be like me, don't shave.

Here is one and Here is another ... used both and never had to return any. I like the "JR Compatables" as their ink does seem better.

 

[Quadophile]

This is unbelievable! The DVD industry did it but nowadays region free players are the popular players in most of the markets. Besides making a player region free is not difficult with all the information available on the web. I am not sure if the other manufacturers would go out of their way and cash this opportunity or follow suit. The only real competitor for HP has always been Epson, let see what they come up with in response to HP's move.

I have never used refills, not because I support the maker of the printer but because I could never rely on the ink quality to begin with.

I use HP exclusively both at office and at home, I think I will be careful in my future purchase depending on the outcome of what HP just announced.

 

[floppybootstomp]

Get an electric razor ... or be like me, don't shave.

Here is one and Here is another ... used both and never had to return any. I like the "JR Compatables" as their ink does seem better.

Thank you squire

Have ordered a tricolour one from the first link, cost £15.49 inclusive, HP version is £28.00 aprox. in shops.

I'll let you know what I think, although it may be a while before the existing one runs out. Although I am actually doing a fair bit of printing atm, something of a sales push - I need some work a bit quick

I did grow a beard recently, second time only in my life, grew it for two months or so then shaved it off in October. Got on my nerves in the end, especially after drinking tomato juice, all that thick juice hanging off this caterpillar on me top lip - yuk

And Wilkinson are the best, Gillette always cut me to shreds, yay! for Wilkinson

 

[Quadophile]

Last time I used a Wilkinson blade was 30 years ago I think I will give it a try :

 

[muckshifter]

Please do let me know ... I hate for you to be dissapointed and not say.

What HP was it? Did you notice they stock other items.



The last time I used a razor, I cut my throat.