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this post was submitted on 21 Aug 2023
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software locks are inherently immoral and anti consumer.
All of them, or just specific instances?
Stallman from FSF would probably say only if the software is updateable. Firmware which can't be changed is no different from hardware. I kind of agree, even though he said that about open source. But the point still stands. If printer can't be used without account or always online or ink. Then it's a feature. Whether you agree with it or not, vote with your wallet. However if they hide the feature that's misleading advertising and it's a different crime all together.
But what HP tried to do is to send over the air update that prevented printers from using recycled toner. Now that's a bitch move.
By itself there is nothing immoral in software lock, but the way it is used here is immoral. It is common understanding and expectation that the scanner should work if there is no ink, thus locking scanner is doggy technique. Locking printer if you do not have ink, however, is totally fine, since it prevents printer damage.
but i only want to print black and white! fuck magenta's issues.
I miss old printers that would offer to print in black & white or composite black depending on which cartridge is low ☹️
I am sure you can do it in print settings.
@Num10ck Put a black cartridge where the color cartridge should be?
70% of the time, they're different sizes. And if they aren't, then the little chip on them let's the printer know it isn't the correct cartridge.
If only it were so simple...
If someone ever made dummy cartridges they would sell nicely, I suspect.
HP has locked down their cartridges so much that even third party hack ones require extracting the chip from a genuine cartridge.
See, now THIS is rentrophy.
It's a legit use of DRM/software lock if HP gives you the printer to use (for free) when you buy some ink, but they're charging for it and the ink.
It's function theft.