Back on the subject of Brother printers (inkjet). Several years ago, I had need for a fax machine, so I went to Staples in search of something inexpensive. I was surprised to find out that I could buy a multi-function Brother machine, including fax for only $10 more than a fax alone. So I bought one for around $70. It uses separate ink cartridges, so cost of maintaining ink is very reasonable. I still have the printer, sitting in a box, because the HP inkjet I've been using refuses to die. Perhaps some day I'll be able to make use unless drivers are not available. It does have drivers for Windows 7; I don't know about Windows 8. I don't know if it could take rough usage since all parts seem to be plastic, but I am not hard on fixtures and appliances :-). I really don't print enough to need a laser printer, but the crisp, sharp look can't be beat.

I can certainly sympathize with your situation...I have been without a printer for many months now because the ink cartridges are so expensive. I have a Canon Multipass 550 which has been a lifesaver in the past...being able to fax, copy and print...then when you do breakdown to buy one...install it and it still says empty cartridge, you really want to scream. But get this...the cartridge isn't the problem...it's the print head...to the tune of $50 or so and this is the third time I have replaced it and lord only knows how many cartridges were full before I wised up! Now get this....those print heads can be washed in your kitchen sink, dried on the counter and reinstalled...I sure am glad I saved the other two, i'll try that next time! But, now...I can't get the printer to print everything on the page....it prints one or two lines of the document, then skips a good paragraph size area and picks up the print again......any suggestions! and of course, it doesn't help that the manual is online and no hard copy is provided...I'm ready to do the old uninstall/reinstall thing and see if that helps! Technology sucks....here today, obsolete before noon the next day! and it wasn't a cheapee either...about $250- $300 smack a roos 2-3 years ago! Even with the cheapees....you spend a fortune on ink, that's were they make the money i guess! So what do I have to lose if the washing dosen't work......blank pages! Congratulations to anyone who can buy Canon Cartridges for $2.00 what is the secret! Here is a link that might be useful: http://homepage.ntlworld.com/wilf.james/cartclen.htm

I would advise you not to get one with all of those little cartridges. If one is low on ink, you can't print anything. I don't know which is best but I have always used HP and will continue to do so. When I bought my first one, years ago, I was told print heads can be a problem on printers. HP has theirs in the ink cartridge so you get a new one with every replacement. I don't use the printer much any more, so I set it to print in black only. It will print even if the color cartridge is low on ink. I just read your post again and you said ink jet. That may be different than what I have used. Mine have always been desk jet. This post was edited by EmmaR on Fri, Dec 21, 12 at 10:31

What IowaGirl and ChemoCurl wrote will work. It's the only way to cancel your print job. Unplugging the printer won't do work because the computer will continue spooling the print command. So, cancel the print as explained above. The problem is it takes so long for it to cancel, so you will have to restart the computer for the cancel command to take effect. The dreaded problem I have with WindowsXP is doing it the one time doesn't work. If the first time doesn't work, restart the computer and do it a second time. Then restart again. Otherwise, you just have to sit and wait for the print job to cancel.