Hey
1. Do an online search for the particular model you want first before deciding to buy at a store like Apple (or Jessops, or Dixons etc—you have these in the US right?), you may be able to save quite a bit of money.
2. PCPRO—maybe the most well respected PC magazine in the UK—carried out an exhaustive printer group test (some tests ran for 12 months or more) and published their results at the end of 2004. They sang the praises of the Epson R800, despite it being a relatively old model. It excelled in many test areas, particularly output quality and ink durability. It is not a cheap printer, however. Maybe you could start your research with this model?
Unfortunately, it is my brother who subscribes to the magazine so I cannot tell you the machines placed second and third, nor the best bang-for-your-buck machine. Hope this helps.