I used to sell printers. There are a couple ways to approach the issue. There are cheap cartridges v long lasting, and separate cartridges for colors v a two cartridge system. HP claims that their 30 dollar cartridges that contain less ink last as long or longer that the big cartridges from Canon and Epson. They have some convincing arguments and demos, but I have found through long experience that HP cartridges tend to last not quite as long as the Canon and Epson cartridges that contain several times as much ink but also waste quite a bit more.
As far as the two cartridge v multiple cartridge systems go, it may seem like you can save money by 'only replacing the color you're out of' when in fact they alomst always run out within days of each other. This is not *always* the case, but usually. I've found that individual cartridges with their higher capacity are cheaper, but only if you get a printer that takes no more than four cartridges--one black and three colors. I've printed my wedding pictures on a four cartridge printer and coudln't tell the difference between those and pictures printed with six or eight cartridge systems.
I have an Epson IP3000, and am happier with it than any other printer I've had or seen. It's probably been replaced by a slightly different model since I left the business, but I'd recommend whatever has replaced it. It does double-sided printing autmoatically, the ink is dirt cheap and lasts forever, and the printing quality is wonderful. It's the cheapest canon that takes more than the two basic cartridges.
Get canon cartridges. Off-brand cartridges or especially the syringe refill systems use generic formulations, which is problematic since there are *huge* variations in printer mechanisms. Using generic ink in a printer is kind of like using the same kind of ink in a ballpoint pen, a fountain pen, and a roller ball. We used to get a lot of dead printers back bc they'd had a couple sets of generic ink run through them. However there are some aftermarket companies that mimic the ink texture and compositon as well as color. Rhinotek is probably the best. I don't use it, but if you're gonna go aftermarket, they are probably the way to go.
Also, if you go to a store that has printer company reps there, remember that they have a vested interest in you buying as many of their branded accessories as possible. You may be able to play on this to get a better deal, although it depends on a lot of other factors. You may be able to get an extended service plan/replacement plan for free (they're not worht much cash, but for free they're a fabulous deal), if you buy a spare set of ink. And don't forget that you will need to buy a cable if you don't already have one (USB). Don't buy one. They will charge you 18-25 bucks for something that cost the store less than a buck. Freecycle it, you'll get a ton of responses.
Sorry about the novel, but I was int his business for a couple years, so I figure it's probably good advice.
