I need to buy a new one. Any advice?

Echo, stihl, husqvarna are good names...

Poulan (and poulan made stuff like craftsman) are to be steared clear of... mtd in my book (on trimmers) are OK.

Black & decker makes good weedwackers (not sure about if they make gas ones?) I've had one for 10 years and no problems... just stay away from their battery rechargeable weedwacker... has a really short duration of use - 20 minutes on full charge! :mad:

I have stihl weedeater and have had it for over 25 years. Not one problem with it!!

Go for a gas one if you don't like messing with an elec extension cord or if you must stray far from an elec source. As to brands, I like the mid range priced Craftsman brand, they seem to last and are dependable and easy to start if you don't store gas in the unit for long periods. I do like the more expensive brands but you can buy two or 3 Craftsman for one of those.