Are you still using a Parallel cable? If so, the last dependable printer I've used is an HP 895.
My experience has been that the newer printers don't pay much attention to thier parallel drivers anymore even when they offer the connection.
If you have USB or don't mind getting a USB card, the new Canons are hard to beat. The Canon Pixima 3000 is as cheap as $60. The Pixima 4000 was $135 last I checked. They are fast, quiet, and cheaper (many options too!) with ink.
I have the old I850 on USB. On parallel it was ok, but on USB it is excellent. Text with color at several per minute, Standard 8 x 10 photo at 1 per minute, HQ 8 x 10 photo at 2 minutes. Canon ink costs $40 for a set of 4 colors and lasts me 6 months.
Jim