I agree with all of the safety suggestions. I recently dropped a tree and although it went where I wanted I was so glad I took the time to cut ALL of the vines attached to it and clear an escape route because as the tree fell a dead branch fell off and had I been standing where I was as I cut the tree it might have hit me, would have been close.
I also agree that if you are a very occasional user you might not want to spend a lot. That said, I am an occasional user but when I cut I cut quite a bit and I can't stand mechanical problems when I go to use a piece of equipment so I still want a good brand, not a box store saw. My dad's Poulan Pro is ok, way underpowered for the 18" bar they put on it and the gas cap swells when you put gas in the tank and you need channel locks to get the stupid thing off. So even though he cuts very occasionally he hates the cheap saw he has. I bought a 16" bar and chain for it and replaced that for him and even that was a pain because they have a stupid in-bar tensioner that I would stay far away from.
So that raises another question that I need help with (sorry, don't mean to hijack your thread but it might help you decide too). Which of these saws will do best with not being used for months at a time, then being given moderate to heavy use, then put back on the shelf for a few months again?
Stihl, Johnsered, Husqvarna, Dolmar/Makita, Echo, Solo, Efco, other?