[bluGill]

The cost of a professionally printed photo is pretty cheap. For most people it is cheaper to have their photos printed professionally when they want one printed. You have to print a lot of photos per month to make the cost of a printer worth it. (I suspect beyond the duty cycle rating of cheap printers). I have a printer (laser!) anyway because while I don't print often, when I do I want it now, without having to get the kids ready and drive to a professional printer.

[nebula8804]

One annoying side effect of this route is dealing with poor customer service and mistakes resulting in additional time wasted. This has been my experience with services like Walmart and Staples.

There are personal printers that use "dye sublimation" cartridges. These don't dry up from what I gather and also allow amazing results at home on demand. Not as cheap as in store services but not that bad either. You are limited to one print size though which is unfortunate.