Welcome to the AT forums. As far as ink jet printers, I'd recommend the Canon iP4500. This model has been PC Magazine's #1 general purpose ink jet printer. Fast and crisp test using dedicated pigmented ink tank and excellent photo printing as well. TCO is lower than most assuming the use of OEM ink cartridges. If you refill or use clone tanks, the TCO can be much lower.
I'm not as up on lasers, but Samsung/Brother and HP seem to be popular. I'm sure others will jump in on this side.
.bh.