I found it cheaper to take my photos on a USB stick to the FedEx/Kinko's place and print them out there.   They pay the depreciation on the printer, and they pay for maintenance on the printer. 

But if you want to buy a printer: it depends on what you are looking for. Are you looking for an ink based printer, or a laser printer? How much are you looking to print? Often fliers come out much better on laser printers, but ink printers generally do better on photos.  Many ink printers use water based ink, and it will smudge in wet or humid environments.

Ink refills can cost more than a new printer.  Go to the nearest office supply store, (Office Max, Office Depot, Staples, etc.) and look at the printers.  You won't see much difference in quality once you get over 600 dpi.  Its all about paying for supplies.   Compare the prices of ink for the printers, and photo paper.  

The value for the printer will change based on the consumables price over time.  To make sure you are going to have the supplies availablefor along time, buy a brother, cannon, or hp printer.



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