September 09, 2003
Follow-up to 'HP Printer Software Takes a Step Backward'
In my recent blog entry, I lamented how HP removed some functionality from the software it provides for my G85 multi-function (printer/scanner/copier/fax). While I could scan directly into an Adobe Acrobat PDF using the earlier version of the software on Windows 2000, the software that HP provided for Windows XP did not have this functionality.
Well, I just got off the phone with Joe, a reasonably polite but less-than-clueful tech support staffer, at HP about this issue. It appears that scanning directly into Adobe Acrobat is no longer possible with the software when used on a Windows XP machine. Instead, HP suggests you go buy Adobe Acrobat Pro, a $450 software package.
Yes, HP suggests that I spend $150 more on software than I originally spent on the printer just to regain a feature their software had before I changed operating systems. Something is totally screwed up at HP if they think this is an acceptable "solution." Apparently, for my new printer, I need to go start looking at other multi-function device makers. Any recommendations (other than Canon...thanks, Bob)?
Posted by Craig | PermalinkI think HP still makes a great printer. I tried Canon, Lexmark, and Okidata, but I always come back to HP because their printers last and last. I still think Paperport ($79) is a lot cheaper solution than Acrobat, and you can use the software for other scanners in your possession.
Posted by Ken at September 9, 2003 06:30 PMI agree, Ken -- HP's printer hardware is top-rate. The problem is that with a fairly complex product like this, software often makes or breaks the overall user experience. It's just sad that HP had to screw up what was otherwise an excellent product.
Posted by Craig at September 9, 2003 06:44 PMI found the HP support forum to be pretty knowledgable and fast. But that says nothing about their driver innovation.
I've always got more to say about printers. When deciding on your joe-blow inkjet printers, you first have to make the basic choice:
(a) printer head in the printer [canon epson]
*or*
(b) disposable printer head in cartridge [hp, etc]
Good luck!
Posted by bob at September 9, 2003 10:24 PMFor what some of the cheaper inkjets cost these days, it's almost appropriate to consider the printer to be a disposable. Sad as that is, when the cartridges cost more to replace than the printer itself (including cartridges), you know something is mucked up.
Posted by Craig at September 9, 2003 10:29 PMBonjour! Interesting thread. If you have time : Mark painting
Posted by painting at April 25, 2004 05:24 PMTo leave a comment or read updated entries, please visit GearBits' current site. Thanks.