Thanks for all the feedback and suggestions. I'm now looking at the MS192T C-E. Our local Stihl dealership wants about $80 more that the going mainland rate. Ace Hardware is selling the Echo CS-271 for MSRP. Money isn't a huge factor, but not sure the Stihl is worth an additional $100. I don't "plan" on cutting above ground and for my non-commercial use, the Echo may be the choice for me, unless I can find free or low shipping for a Stihl.
For light occasional use, I wouldn't hesitate to get the Echo. If you were making your living with the saw, or cutting hours everyday with it, then that's another story and would justify stepping up.
Buy it from a dealer, not from a box store. The dealer will be there if you need them, while the box store will hand you a card with a phone number on it..... "Call these guys, they handle our warranty and repair work"
Skip the middleman and buy it from "these guys" in the first place. If the hardware store does their own work, that's good enough too. Service after the sale.
