I will go against the grain here sorta. First I recommend a printer, but instead of getting a cheap one, get a better one.
I would suggest an inexpensive Laser printer. The upfront cost of the printer will be higher a(at least $100) and the cartidges will be about that much as well, BUT the cartridges will last pretty much forever. My personal printer is a HP Laserjet 1200 that I got around 2000. It came with a cartridge and I have never had to replace that.
I know it is due any time, but it will only be about $60 if I purchase a refurb cartridge.