Lasar vs. Inkjet Printers? Tell me about yours, please.

K, I'm doing my own brochures, postcards, biz cards ect. for business use.

I've been using my old HP deskjet 825c and although it's ok (and very slow), the color runs when wet! Is this normal for inkjets? (I cringe when I think of a customer caught with one in the rain) Or could I have bad ink or paper?

I've been trying to do reseach but find most reviews on printers are like 2002-2004! Can anyone recommend a good one under $500 or does it not exist? And one where the cartridges don't cost and arm and leg?

Please post what you have and what you do/don't like about it.

(Since no one seems to want to hire me, this is sooo important!)
BTW, can we post a website here for a critique?
Thanks!
Vi