I've always used HP inkjet printers and never had any trouble with the hardware. Their install software sucks and sometimes requires some creative intervention to get it to install properly but once setup I've always been happy with them.

I picked up a $300 HP color laser a few months ago. It handles the heaviest cardstock that staples carries. I'm very happy with the quality, speed and other features but I find that I'm always making up excuses not to use it because the ink cartridges are so expensive.