[graemep]

I have used laptops for much longer too, and for a lot of tasks performance does not matter.

Desktops tend to be better when older though.

There are already dealer who sell second hand machines in reasonably dependable condition.

HP seems to be aiming to control (note the bits about preventing unauthorised access) rather than facilitating the market.

[bcraven]

Whilst you may have used them, this is referring to an enterprise setting where devices are usually replaced at the end of the warranty.

Indeed, this is the point. When that business is done with it you can buy it, know how well-used it is, and give it a second life.

[Dylan16807]

Knowing how well-used a laptop is barely matters. And I still need to examine and test it.

[graemep]

> Indeed, this is the point. When that business is done with it you can buy it, know how well-used it is, and give it a second life

That is exactly what the dealers I referred to do.

The biggest thing HP seems to be adding here is a process for getting additional information that they control. Why should it need authorisation to read this information? The state of a piece of hardware should be openly and easily visible to its owner or possessor.