"Starter" is the key word here. The cost is quite affordable; set-up is easy. For a printer of this size, don't expect to put in half reams of paper (logical). The ink cartridge cost is also affordable...BUT HERE IS THE REASON WHY: the cartridges hold next to nothing! If you're printing off a paper with more than 50 pages, get ready to change your cartridge! You will pay for this printer in ink cartridges in under 30 days. And like other reviews...it is SLOW. If color is not an issue, but you want speed and a better balance of ink used, upgrade to the HP 1020 (NOT the 1012-no, no, no, no, no!!).