Finding the right printer for your home office is an important but often overlooked decision. Not all printers offer the same features or quality, so it’s a good idea to do your research in advance before making a purchase. Recently, many of HP’s newest printer models include an “HP+” service, which requires your printer to be connected to the internet. These printers are often available at a discount, which makes them an enticing option for anyone looking for a printer on sale.
What is Included in the HP+ Service?
The HP+ service is a free upgrade to your printer that gives you access to Instant Ink for six months before you are charged a monthly fee. Other benefits of HP+ include a warranty extension, and you have access to Advanced HP Smart app features for up to two years. Different laser printer models either automatically support HP+ or don’t support it at all, while you have a choice to use HP+ or not with inkjet printers.
Common HP+ Problems
Unfortunately, an HP+ printer can create a lot of unnecessary headaches if you don’t have a stable internet connection. These printers must be connected to the internet, or they won’t be able to function properly. The “requirements” of HP+ printers are buried in the fine print, as most people will never read this information. It’s also easy to accidentally buy these printers due to the model numbers being nearly identical between HP+ printers and non-HP+ printers.
Choosing Between 4101fdwe and 4101fdw Model Numbers
The HP+ model number is “4101fdwe” while the non-HP+ model is “4101fdw”. It’s easy to glance at these model numbers and not even notice the difference between these printers. Buying the HP+ model is especially problematic if you live in a rural area without access to the internet or if your connection is constantly dropping. These printers are next to useless without a stable connection, as you are much better off looking at other options that don’t require a constant internet connection to the cloud.
Can You Still Print Pages Without the Internet?
An HP+ printer can still print documents if it fails to make a connection to the internet, but you won’t be able to access the control panel or even check how much toner is available. Making sure your HP+ printer is connected during the initial registration process is especially important, or you won’t be able to activate the machine at all. Your printer may also not connect to the internet due to your firewall settings. Of course, waiting to get in touch with customer support is never a fun experience, as you can save yourself plenty of stress by buying a printer that doesn’t require an internet connection.
Closing Thoughts
Purchasing a printer without realizing it needs to stay connected to the internet can be a frustrating experience. Unfortunately, most of the descriptions of HP+ printers don’t include this information unless you read the fine print. Choosing to go with another printer that doesn’t require an internet connection is a much better choice, even if it will cost you slightly more money. You can also reach out to Computer Camaraderie Corp. if you ever need any tech assistance or help with setting up your new printer
Tags: 4101fdwe, HP Printers, HP+, HP+ Problems