We are looking for a new printer and would like to have an all-in-one. I have been going back in history and I see that Canon is recommended by a few with hp and brother in there as well. We currently have an HP 1100A, that is on its final breath (it must be 12 years old). It  is a laser and we were very happy with print speed and $/copy. We went with laser back then because the inkjets were crappy (smeared/bled/slow). I assume that the technology has improved in the inkjet field? How many copies/cartridge can one expect out of an inkjet. Also if you don't use the colour cartridge will it dry out? This happened on a portable printer I had 7-8 years ago.

I see I can buy a Canon MX870, like Chris describes below for $159 delivered to me direct from canon. Is that a fair price?