Kuzano wrote:
A very good solution is to NOT EVEN USE INK for your b/w documents.
If space is not an issue, you can just get a $100 laser printer, HP, Dell B1160W, Brother, etc.
The footprint is small, it's laser quality for documents and cost per page is 2 - 3 cents compared to 8-10 cents per page from your ink supply for inkjet black ink. Many inkjets actually use color from the color cartridges to print just black.
I have the Dell B1160w which I paid under $100 for. Toner cartridges produce sharp, very black print. A cartridge is about $60 to $70 at the big box supply stores, but they are about HALF that on eBay. Just make sure you lay in an extra one.
Laser also prints much faster and cleaner than ink. For paper, when I don't need a special finish, I just by the least expensive copy paper at Staples (or other) at under $4 per ream. Often close to $3.
The only problem is, I use my laser printer more, as I do a lot of document work. That leaves my photo printer (13x19 pigment ink Epson) idle, so I must remember to try and print at least one print per week to keep the ink channels from drying up.
It's a good solution for me, and costs less per page. The foot print on the printer is about 9inches by 14 inches.
I did not see the daughter and desk space post til now.
Hey, it's her dime on the cost per page and the compromise on quality. There is no color printer that is not compromised, at least on price if you try to go full ink jet.
If I were going to buy the compromise solution, I would go with Canon Pixma, latest model and not try to "cheap out"
A very good solution is to NOT EVEN USE INK for yo... (
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The OP already said space is an issue.