Well, 300 pages is more than half a ream of paper (500 pages) if that gives you an idea of the size. We have a basic black home laser printer and 300 pages isn't bad for it. If you have a color printer (even if you print with black) that's probably a lot of usage for a single run. Also the print speed for some home printers may mean hours of supervision...
This printer has held up and lasted better and longer than I ever thought it would, it is a Brother HL 5140 that cost about the same (it was a return at Fry's) as the replacement ink for the color ink jet we had at the time (think it was about $100). When/if it ever goes I'd like to get the home office center sort where it can scan and copy and such as well. It would be nice to be able to print in color.