Well, I've been happy with my Samsung ML-1210, bought probably 2.5 years ago 
at Fry's (at the time it was 150 USD - 50 rebate = 100).

I haven't finished my way through the starter cartridge packed in (rated 1000 
pages) but note that online dealers have replacements (rated 2500) for 40 to 
60 USD depending on if remanufactured or new.

However, the model's long gone.  I saw one at the Goodwill recently, almost 
got it for a spare cartridge, but the cart was gone.  I think Samsung now 
offers better models (15 or more ppm versus 12, and the design's more enclosed-- on 
the 1210, the paper sits out, and the output tray's vertical so it collects 
dirt which can't get replaced)

HP also makes (made?) a low-end laser, at the time it was a $200 competitor 
with the $175 ML-1210; it was a Winprinter.

I know Brother makes an inexpensive laser, but Brother lasers often have a 
seperate drum and toner cartridge.  The toner's cheap but after like 20000 pages 
the drum goes and it's a "cheaper to throw the printer away" replacement.