Many HP, Dell Printers Incompatible with Windows RT
Many HP and Dell printers aren't compatible with Windows RT.
Over the summer, Microsoft said that many older printers will not work with Windows 8 and Windows RT. That's because the company decided to change the printing architecture to reduce system overhead and simplify the overall printing process. This was a necessary move given that ARM-based Windows RT tablets will feature 32-bit SoCs and a memory ceiling of 4 GB.
"We really wanted to ensure that we didn’t negatively impact ARM systems by running unnecessary services, and we wanted to reduce system resource usage, while still providing support for as many devices as possible," wrote Microsoft's Steven Sinofsky, president of the Windows and Windows Live Division.
On that note, TechWorld reports that both HP and Dell have published their compatibility lists of printers and multifunction devices for Windows 8 and Windows RT. On the HP side, out of 200 devices, a total of 83 are not compatible with Windows RT, and an additional 83 only offer "limited support". However the majority of devices are compatible with Windows 8 – so far HP hasn't released a compatibility list for inkjet printers.
As for Dell, this compatibility list of 110 inkjet and laser printers shows that only 32 support Windows RT. Even more, only two inkjet printers support the ARM-based Windows whereas the OS seems to be more compatible with monochrome and color laser printers. Naturally all printers compatible with Windows RT also play nice with Windows 8.
Nathan Brookwood, principal analyst at Insight 64, told TechWorld that driver incompatibility with RT will likely extend beyond printers and into the realm of cameras, scanners and more. Unfortunately, manufacturers will likely not build new compatible drivers for old devices, as resources are typically dumped into current products. Companies would rather see consumers purchase new Windows 8-compatible equipment rather than hang onto an old, outdated printer.
Brookwood also pointed out that unlike other tablet OS developers, Microsoft is making an effort to provide a higher level of printer compatibility in Windows RT which in turn could make a huge difference in the ARM-based tablet market. "Most people who have been buying tablets to date, including Android and iOS tablets, they hardly ever print because of limits [on drivers]," Brookwood said.

Unfortunately for producers, the same is true for buyers: they prefer allocate their budget buying something really useful for their business rather than replacing perfectly working equipment.
That and people like not having to buy printers which seem to find new ways of justifying selling less ink/$ to you.
Unfortunately for producers, the same is true for buyers: they prefer allocate their budget buying something really useful for their business rather than replacing perfectly working equipment.
That and people like not having to buy printers which seem to find new ways of justifying selling less ink/$ to you.
Ah yes - I've heard those words so many times. Why is your work fleet mostly comprised of Pentium III and a few Pentium IV workstations, minus execs - which have high end equipment? Because it works. Sure it's slow for that new CRM package your company just bought, but if it kind of runs on an underpowered XP workstation, that's good enough. Just keep cycling out those failing hard drives and memory. No sense in replacing perfectly working equipment =-p
Though, to your point, I don't see a business buying RT compatible equipment for the sake of it. Though, if you could integrate Dynamics AX or if there is a Dynamics AX shop floor module, then RT would have a place in many businesses.
I don't really see much of a market for the RT ARM based tablets anyway though. I predict quick and rapid domination by x86 tablets such as the Atom based tablets and the i5 tablets. Realistically the price point on Atom based tablets should quickly lower to the $400- $500 price range.
Gave thumbs up to your comment as it is a good point, but it is just the other side of the same coin (pun intended).
Keeping what works means keeping what is good for your business.
That is an entirely different beast that keeping an S/38 because it just did not blew up in the early '90s.
And, it is an entirely different beast than buying any brand new thing - either an OS or a printer that does not mix well with the rest of your infrastructure - just because it is was shown in the latest advertisement.
What keeps your business running properly should not be touched without a very very good reason, even in years when companies have moneys to throw out of the windows - that's not today.
So only 34 out of 200 HP devices and 32 out of 110 Dell devices are compatible but that = a majority? I'm confused.
MS really should have done a better job of telling the consumer that RT is not the same as windows and that x86 or x64 software will not work.
I was trying to explain to my neighbor that Windows RT and Windows 8 are not the same but he said they looked the same to him and would not belive me. He plans to buy a windows tablet and install his day trader software on it so he can trade on the go. I tried to tell him he would have to go with an i3-i5 model but those cost twice as much as the arm model.
Consumer side, kiss your fully functional HP Lasertjet 4200 goodbye, god I love that printer
I guess printers aren't going to exist just like the windows start bar has been taken away with windows RT/Windows 8. Personally still use my printers. Go figure.
I am less concerned with printing from a Win 8 RT tablet. That might be good for e.g. a shop floor, a shipping company, or something else where you need to be mobile and also print receipts, labels, etc., but any company large enough to be doing that can potentially invest in a printer upgrade - or in x86-based tablets.
It's possible to have driver-less printing!