for light use an electric model would be fine. for cutting anything more
than 50yds of hedge at anything above 8 ft off the ground i'd recommend a
petrol model ... although if you are going to do a *lot* of
cutting/trimming, you must bear in mind that a 2-stroke motor (no matter how
well damped) will produce vibrations injurous to your health over the long
term.

everyone develops brand loyalties, and fwiw i've always found Fujirobin gear
(japanese manufacturer) to be excellent. just out of interest (or not),
fujirobin were the engine makers who put a diesel motor into a MZ motorbike
and managed to get 3litres/100km economy out of it. yes, i do know some
pointless things.