I think part of the answer is this.. printers (not specialty) are cheap as the companies make money on the ink... As above laser is cheaper in the long run but the toner is costly when you have to buy it... if you just need to print in black buy one that is black only as then you only have one toner to buy and it lasts.... Color you will have 4 to buy and easily cost 500.00 or more for the toner... be aware the toner they give you at initial purchase is "starter" and will not last long.