Epson just launched (beginning of this month) their R1900 which is an upgrade to the R1800 and I have to say it has amazing ink difference (quality in prints and colors) I am impressed with it. Also, the price is the same as the R1800 was and the ink prices about the same I think. (full price ~ $550)
I find that I pay, roughly, per print (12 x 12 size that is) $3.85. This is an estimate based on me running a variety of papers and prints through my printer until the ink was out. I combine the price of the paper with the cost of a set of ink and divided it by the # of prints I made and this is about what I got for pricing.
The B9180 from HP is about $650 full price and I think the price per page is about $4.00 Inks last longer because they are larger than the other printers but they also cost more to replace. When you average it all out it runs about the same as the other printers do you just don't have to repurchase ink as often.
There are 2 reviews on the R1800 and B9180 printers (one that is in our last issue Vol 1 issue 4 and the next is coming out in Vol 2 Issue 1) We'll have a review on the R1900 soon too.
When it comes down to purchasing a printer v.s. using a local print lab I think that you have to figure out exactly what you'll end up doing w/ your printer. If you're hybrid scrapbooking I think that overall having your own printer is much more efficent and allows for more print options. (Like transparencies, vellum, etc.) But if you are simply going to print backgrounds or digital pages to embellish on top then you could get away with using a local print shop. Unless the print shops do 12x12's for $4 or less then you should look into a personal printer or the print shops online that offer better pricing.
Amy knows a lot about printing so if you have time you should take her up on additional information.
I hope that helps
