> It's unfortunate that printers turned from being based on standard protocols that were documented in the manual they came with (ASCII, ESC/P2, PCL, PostScript, etc.) to these proprietary closed systems. None of the printer manufacturers, including HP, used to be like this.
The subsidized models were always like this. I used to sell this stuff - the HP/Canon/Epson consumer devices were always subsidized by ink sales and sold below margin. The business devices were always different. I still have a LaserJet 6MP that I bought when I was a retail employee of a computer store in 1997 off the floor. The thing is a tank - it also cost $700 1998 dollars. HP still makes similar devices at similar price points.
For my kids, I have a little MFP with instant ink - total cost of $150 for the printer + $180 in ink over 3 years. It’s a good value. Our need for color doesn’t justify a Epson ink tank printer or HP commercial inkjet.
The subsidized models were always like this. I used to sell this stuff - the HP/Canon/Epson consumer devices were always subsidized by ink sales and sold below margin. The business devices were always different. I still have a LaserJet 6MP that I bought when I was a retail employee of a computer store in 1997 off the floor. The thing is a tank - it also cost $700 1998 dollars. HP still makes similar devices at similar price points.
For my kids, I have a little MFP with instant ink - total cost of $150 for the printer + $180 in ink over 3 years. It’s a good value. Our need for color doesn’t justify a Epson ink tank printer or HP commercial inkjet.