The really big thing to look at is ink prices and ink capacity. Some printers have cheap ink made by third parties that lasts forever. Some printers have expensive ink only made by the company that only lasts 100 pages.
That's really the only thing that I research when buying a printer.
Another important thing to look at is where the ink jet nozzle is placed. Some printers have this as a more durable part that's separate from the cartridge, whereas others have it in a more disposable form on the cartridge itself.
One lasts much longer, and the other will crap out shortly if you try refilling it too many times. It's a great way for them to keep you going back for the "real" ink.
That's really the only thing that I research when buying a printer.