[Wneighbor]

I think the cheapest of the gas ones are less expensive than the electrics, though.

Around here the cheapest are the cheap electrics not the cheap gas ones - BUT by no means buy the cheapest. I have done that with both kinds. Really, they just aren't worth it, go ahead and get something a little more durable. My gas one I have currently is about 8 years old. I think I paid about $180 for it. It's what pro-guys use but it's definitely been worth it because of the length of time it's lasted and work it's done. Get electric - just do as Hair says and get something worth it.

[HairOfTheDog]

I have the big powerful gas one too that has the optional blade attachment.... But mine is a farm tool, not a suburban edger!

The middle-size whackers are about $100 and will last a long time even with a lot of use.... and the smallest ones are $70 and last one year of use. They just burn out.