Printer Epson Stylus C84 Died

Hi,
I think my printer Epson Stylus C84 has finally died on me:cry
Unfortunately it has happened after I just installed a whole new cartridge of ink... It eats up the ink just to clean the heads and it now decided it would only print 1 out of 4 or 5 lines... The technician guy I got on the phone was not very helpfull and told me I should just throw it out... I've had alot of problems with this printer: brought it with me to Australia to find out that this model didn't exist Down Under and that I could not find cartridges for it... My parents had to ship them to me...
Anyhow, could someone give me advice on buying a printer? I see sooo many at sooo many prices.:yum .. Don't know if I should invest a lot of money or should just buy the cheapest and just change at the end of the year...
I am looking for one that exists/can work in Europe, Asia, North America, Oceania... I am looking for something not too big... I am a translator/journalist so something that would print alot of text... If possible something that would continue printing even if one of the colour cartridges is empty... If it could scan and print pictures and be a fax as well that would be great... I don't mind spending money on it if I can travel with it on my next move.... I am currently living in France so if anyone has a good adress to buy one that would be great as this is a big an emergency and need to buy one asap.
Cheers
Jobella