I also have a printer at the office which I have to go every day and she asked me to print stuff like twice, so I'm kind of curious about what's the status of home printing?
PS - when I need to print photos, I use a service that prints in a proper photographic paper and size to frame. I do this like twice a year.
Our printing needs are minimal, maybe 1 or 2 times a year we'll just go and print at 7-11, which has better options than a home printer anyway (A3 size paper, both laser and inkjet photo printing options, sticker paper etc)
Recently my father-in-law passed away and he had 3 inkjet printers and we inherited 2 of them. For the first few weeks there was a flurry of "we can print now" and there was some arts and crafts being done, but since they they've been laying dormant.
- Return labels, if I'm returning an Amazon purchase
- Hard copies of important info when I travel, in case my phone dies
- Occasional times when I'm sent forms that I need to print, sign, scan and send back
It didn't cost much, has never needed maintenance, and the toner lasts a long time. Worth it for the hassle it saves when I need it.
I barely have to print anything, so not having to deal with clogged inkjet heads has been great
This does mean I can't exactly get my colors right, since I don't print often enough and I'm not that familiar with proofing digitally, but even if I have to get a print done twice I probably end up ahead financially.
I also have a tiny Canon Selphy that I use for small 4x6 prints, which I can recommend so people will actually get their photos into the real world and off the screen.
For OP, having a printer at home will show its usefulness at random times. I'm definitely glad I pulled the trigger, partially because of being a prepper, re: my government, not the apocalypse. (a little brother incase big brother...)