In the last days I had a sour experience with HP that compelled me to question their ethics. Four years ago, I invested in an HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 for my home office, and it served my family well. However, the trouble began when I purchased replacement cartridges, authentic ones from Amazon.<p>I don't mind the request to create an account and log in to use the software tool. But when I replaced the black cartridge just three days ago, the printer insisted it wasn't an original HP product, rendering my printer into a brick. Even with a second new set of authentic cartridges, I encountered the same error.<p>Some online search revealed they demand for a subscription — for $3.99, you're allowed a mere 50 pages of printing. I was not lucky to find a hack that worked and gave up. My daughter was "just pay for it", but I had to give her a nice speech about principle.<p>I firmly believe that everyday consumer products designed for occasional home use should not be held hostage by a mandatory monthly subscription. I understand the value of printer liquid, which is more worth than gold by weight, and the desire for businesses to control that market. However, I cannot support practices that stifle competition and hinder consumer choices ending up with monthly subscriptions fees, WTH.<p>Needless to say the next day that machine went in the dumpster and the new Canon TR8620a home office printer was a breeze to setup and works great.<p>Is it just me, or does this seem like another example of escalating corporate greed in America?