- The particular model received best value and readers' choice in a recent tools review issue of Fine Woodworking. The sales guy also also recommended the Bosch unit. I know I shouldn't select equipment based on magazine reviews, but since I don't have the opportunity to test various models, I have to rely on something.

- You can always use a plunge router as a fixed base, but you can't use a fixed base rounter as a plunge. Mind you, a plunge router is larger and a bit more ackward to install into a table than its fixed base counterpart, but it's not impossible to do. So the decision between fixed-base and plunge was an easy one for me.

- The idea of interchangable base was very appealing to me. Two routers for the price of one! But after picking a number of different models up, I found the ergonomics of them compromised. Dedicated plunge rounters had features that an interchangable plunge didn't have. Because most of my work will be done in a plunging setup, the dedicated plunge made sense.

- Some of the features that sold me on my unit were: A trigger-style on-off switch right on the grip handle; no need to take your hands off. Plunge lock right by your thumb. Micro-plunge adjustment. Variable speed (some Dewalt units are still fixed speed). Soft start, so the router doesn't torque in your hand.

About getting a cheap unit, I've never reget getting more tool than I need. But I've experience plenty of frustration with cheap tools. Nothing kills the joy of a project faster than tools that are slow or don't work. Besides, a router's a very versatile tool, and once you get one, you'll find plenty of used for it. This coming from a guy who bought his first a week a go ;-)

BTW, invest in quality bits. You'll need them if you plan on chewing through material like 1" MFD. I've played around with my buddy's "cheap" bits on my router before I bough my own and there's a big difference between speed and quality of cut.

Gar.