Expert: Bobbert - 1/16/2011

Question
I had an HP psc 1315 on Windows XP which I adored but it one day started blinking and after going around in circles with HP techs and ppl from all over the net, maybe it's time to give up? If you think it's worth another diagnostic shot, please tell me.   If not, REALLY need a good recommendation for the following: An ALL-IN-ONE printer that is A.) Under $70 B.) known for reliability/long life C.) < $25 for ink D.) uses ink economically E.) print/photo quality at least a 3.5 / 5. I have to exchange a Christmas gift and I want to be informed =D

Answer
The best inkjet solutions that I can think of that won't have you spending the purchase price of the unit in ink every month are HP's new OfficeJet Pro solutions, but I don't know of any AIOs from that line that will be less than $70. The closest model that comes to mind is the OfficeJet 6500 AIO -
http://www.shopping.hp.com/store/product/product_detail/CB815A%2523B1H

Specs show the cartridges yielding around 400 pages before needing replacement, and they aren't $60-$70 a piece to replace; the numbers for the up-model 8500 series are rather conservative so I would surmise that the 6500 will fare similarly.

-bob