My understanding, too is that HP drivers are at the root of all their evils
I don't think it's the drivers that are the problem - in my experience it is the application software that HP provides that is the problem.
I bought a decent scanner (not expensive) and separate printer. The two do take slightly more deskspace.
I went down this road also, Keef - Canon scanner and inkjet printer - and I've been very satified.
To save desk space, I built a wooden platform that allows me to put the scanner above the printer.
I bought both of mine on the Canon ebay outlet - returns and refurbed plus end-of-life stock.
SD