HP’s upcoming feature, dubbed PCFax, aims to ease the anxiety surrounding the purchase of secondhand computers. Drawing inspiration from CarFax reports used in the automotive industry, it will store essential usage data securely in the device’s firmware on a dedicated SSD partition. This system ensures that new owners gain insights into the historical usage of a PC before they make a purchase.

According to IEEE Spectrum, the concept revolves around mandatory record-keeping similar to what’s done for vehicles—allowing potential buyers to verify the history and maintenance records before acquiring a machine. This initiative hopes to promote the reuse of older devices, thus contributing to reducing electronic waste.

Modern PCs constantly track operational data, so HP only needed to develop a secure way of collecting and archiving this information. A write-locked section of the SSD will house this data, preventing unauthorized modifications, thereby ensuring its integrity for future users.

The data collected will not be limited to the device’s internal metrics; it will also encompass relevant external information, including supply records and customer support logs, to present a comprehensive picture of a device’s history. This capability could be particularly beneficial for businesses managing large fleets of computers, as it would facilitate repairs over replacements, aligning with HP’s goals of minimizing electronic waste. However, the effectiveness of this initiative may depend on the broader market trends where rapid technology turnover often favors new purchases over repairs.