This thread belongs in the Peripherals section!
If you really want cheap operating expense, there are only two to look at. Brother MFC units or Canon S or iP models from last year (the iP 1500, 2000 or 3000). They are the only ones recently with passive ink tanks. Maybe you could find a good used or refurb Canon in your price range.
. I don't usually recommend Epson because of their clogging problems and that they make it difficult to actually use all of the ink in their tanks, but I found this refurb on Newegg:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16828103184R . You can get clone tanks for it from swiftink.com for $5. each. If I were you (whether you buy new or refurb), I would start using clone tanks right from the beginning to help limit the clogging problem and always use the same brand. And if you check the Hot Deals section here you'll see that swiftink is currently running a 35% off sale for AT members on Epson tanks. Be quick about changing tanks too as Epson inks are very fast drying. I recommend tag-team - one to pull the old tank and the other to pull the seal tape (if present) and plug in the new.
. On the refurb from newegg - unless you can be satisfied that the unit has never had ink in it, I wouldn't buy it. If you want better piece of mind, you can buy a refurb of the same model direct from Epson that will come with a clean head, sealed new ink tanks and a factory warranty for $80. shipped ground. Plus you get a scanner thrown in for free as it's an AIO.
. Don't even bother trying to refill epson tanks because of the drying problem.
Good luck.
.bh.
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