[GTALUG] cheap colour printing with a privacy issue

[Alex Volkov]

Hey Hugh

Privacy concerns for this bargain are totally valid, but I have a strong 
suspicion that the truth about the bargain is much more prosaic.

I've configured several HP inkjet printers in my life, and in my 
experience, for the novice user -- compiling and installing linux kernel 
from scratch is a much more straightforward process.

I think HP wants to get some field data on UI interactions with their 
printers so they can make them slightly less craptacular.

Also someone can just get one, put a wireshark host in the middle and 
see what kind of data the printer is sending -- that would be an 
interesting article to read.

Alex.

On 2018-03-26 10:45 AM, D. Hugh Redelmeier via talk wrote:
> <http://forums.redflagdeals.com/amazon-ca-hp-envy-4520-wireless-all-one-printer-mobile-printing-w-free-hp-instant-ink-plan-39-91-2180616/>
>
> This is a scanner + printer device.  Apparently with Linux support via
> HPLIP.
>
> It costs as little as $33.52 + tax through Amazon Warehouse deals
> (customer returned units, I think).  If you manage to add something to
> your order to reach $35, you qualify for free shipping.
>
> This device is qualified for free ink for life at the rate of 15 pages per
> month.  These are not just nominal pages (i.e. with 5% coverage), they are
> any pages (eg. prints of photos).
>
> The major downside is that the printer must be allowed to contact HP at
> all times through its wireless and your internet connection.  What is it
> sending to HP?  HP tries to address these concerns but they didn't
> satisfy me.  Could Bad Guys hack this channel?
>
> Reluctantly, I think that I'll pass on this bargain.
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