I think the objective here is a least-cost, paper-saving way to "print" a document. So, a PDF "printer" is a solution. If hard copy printing is not necessary and a PDF version of a document will suffice, then purchasing a printer is not necessary.
But, I would agree that most of us want at least a basic printer. However, if you can adapt to the use of digital format, i.e. PDF, for documenting various documents, it not only precludes the need for a printer and paper but also avoids the cost of ink. It's a "green" strategy, isn't it? You know, save the trees, and that's good.
My friend has a computer using the XP program and she also does not have a printer. However, she is able to "print" documents; she does online banking and "prints" her monthly bank statement without a real printer.
Re: bank statements, I believe many banks now provide provide statements in PDF format. My bank does. So, in that case, it's not even necessary to have a PDF "printer" installed, just download the PDF document. I wonder if robin2006's friend knows this.