I haven't looked at prices lately, but last I did, there weren't any color laser printers in what I considered a reasonable price range. If I was shopping for just a b&w printer, I'd totally go low-end laser. But I need color. Also a scanner/photocopier, hence the Epson all-in-one. Notwithstanding the fact that it was a gift, it's paid for itself just in saved trips to school or the copyshop for small photocopying jobs.