Use Of Generic Ink Cartridges

[Gene1000]

Hello all,

No doubt that this topic has been the cause of numerous lawsuits, but nevertheless I need to find out exactly what is legal and what isn’t. 

I just purchased a new HP Office Jet Pro 9135e printer. I have not opened the box yet because I’m considering a return. The reason is the cost of HP 936 ink cartridges. Frankly, I was not aware of the extremely high cost of this ink before I purchased the printer. 

I have read where HP cannot legally force you to use their ink with their printers. Yet apparently they are permitted to configure their machines and software to do exactly that. Ergo HP is indeed forcing you to use their very expensive ink, particularly the 936. Has this been challenged in court? 

Is there a LEGAL way to reconfigure my new printer so as to allow the use of much less expensive third party ink?  A method that CONSISTENTLY WORKS? A way without kinks?

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks. 

[BeemerBiker]

The e-series printer is designed for instant ink subscription.  if you do not want to sign up for that subscription you might want to return the printer and get the non e-series version.

Both of those printer series require that you use HP cartridges.  Either new or refilled.

HP, Epson, and Canon all have the same requirements.

The lawsuits I have read about are where the printer you have been using suddenly wants you to use HP toner after a firmware update that you did not know about or did not read nor understand the fine print on the firmware update.

This is about the e-series laserjets

[Gene1000]

I’m confused. I did more research and read where it is possible NOT to subscribe to HP+ (instant ink) on the office jet pro 9135e.  This can be done during setup according to Internet sources. 
Please could you clarify. Thanks.

[BeemerBiker]

Instant ink is the 'e'

A subscription to "+" means you need to be on the internet all the time.  I think you bought the e and not the plus model.

Even it the printer is not an e or a + one can still subscribe to either regardless.

You can always cancel ink subscription.  Any instant ink cannot be used anymore.  I do not think you have to  return the unopened ones.

[Gene1000]

Thanks. 
Yes, I’m aware that the 9135e is an “e” model as shown in the model number itself. I may decide to keep the unopened box depending on your answers to the two questions below:

The question I originally asked was that as part of the printer setup process, do I have the option of not signing  up for HP+ program ( instant ink)? This way I can use my own purchased cartridges and not have to be on the Internet in order to use the printer. So, will the set up process allow me to choose the HP+ program or not to select it?

And is it correct that the HP set up process also allows me to disable the  “cartridge protection” feature if I wish to do so?

I read where HP does indeed permit this option. Is this correct? Could you please be specific in your replies. 

Thanks again for your help. Much appreciated. 

[BeemerBiker]

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@Gene1000 wrote:

Thanks. 
Yes, I’m aware that the 9135e is an “e” model as shown in the model number itself. I may decide to keep the unopened box depending on your answers to the two questions below:

The question I originally asked was that as part of the printer setup process, do I have the option of not signing  up for HP+ program ( instant ink)? This way I can use my own purchased cartridges and not have to be on the Internet in order to use the printer. So, will the set up process allow me to choose the HP+ program or not to select it?

And is it correct that the HP set up process also allows me to disable the  “cartridge protection” feature if I wish to do so?

I read where HP does indeed permit this option. Is this correct? Could you please be specific in your replies. 

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You are asking the wrong person. Maybe @Repairatrooper can help you.  I am actually a tree hugger and use my LJ for those few forms that need to be filled out and mailed in.  I do have an inkjet for making photos and use ACDSee studio.  I do enough to keep the ink from drying out but I have no need for an ink service.