• MxM111
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    -14
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    2 years ago

    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.

      • 𝒍𝒆𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒏
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        52 years ago

        I miss old printers that would offer to print in black & white or composite black depending on which cartridge is low ☹️

        • CMLVI
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          232 years ago

          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…

          • Ragnell
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            42 years ago

            If someone ever made dummy cartridges they would sell nicely, I suspect.

            • @Darkassassin07@lemmy.ca
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              122 years ago

              HP has locked down their cartridges so much that even third party hack ones require extracting the chip from a genuine cartridge.

    • YeetPics
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      32 years ago

      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.