I don't have the years of hard earned credentials of most of those posting here, but here's my 2 cents worth.  I originally bought the Porter Cable Tiger Saw 11.5 amp Tiger Saw because all those at my work & Home Improvement stores etc said I didn't need that much saw.  I have always been willing to spend an extra 25% for the best when I knew it would pay back in the long run, and I should have stuck to my guns.  Luckily, the place I bought it took it back even though it had been used several times ( I have spend A LOT of money there), and let me trade up to this saw.  It has everything you'll ever want.  Pro's:  Metal case, not plastic;  the shoe pivots closer to the axis of the chuck and blade, instead of offset, so the shoe remains flat on the work, supported; the shoe adjusts for different distances with a simple pull of a large, secure lever that blends into the front end, not a hex key; the chuck holds the blades like a vice, not like a rubber band (the Porter Cable chuck allowed a 12" blade to move 1 1/2" or more up and down when set, a distraction when trying to do detail work);  the chuck allows the blade to be held up or down, not only down, for reverse "up" cuts (not the safest, but it is there if you need it); adjustable orbital action, not just on/off; speed control dial to set the max speed possible per pull of the trigger (blade, and work saver); quik-lok cord (some say they lose contact after awhile, but easily replaceable.  I believe I was told about $10 for a replacement. Anyone?); two blades included (6" 5/8 tpi wood, 6" 18 tpi metal "the torch"), not one; counter-balance to lessen some of that vibrating (the P.C. saw left me numb after 1/2 hr.  Also helps just a bit for copper plumbing work when not trying to shake loose all of the solder in the system and ending up with leaks); Lifetime vs 1 yr warranty.