> 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.
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.