I use a HP Deskjet F2180 (bought from tescos for about £30) which scans, prints and photocopies.
Yes the Ink is a deciding matter, BUT i inject my ink using the ink and syringe refill packs you can get (about £5 from tesco, which will last you longer than buying cartridges, since you refill only the colour you need).
If you are using a lot of ink, you can always buy the ink in larger bottles off the net (up to a litre i think).
Dont buy ink cartridges, make sure you can re fill the ink yourself, otherwise your will be paying an arm and a leg just for ink!
Check to make sure the printer you get, you can inject ink to refill them.