WOW!
A new 690 for $500? That's a steal IMO. It's my understanding that the only reason Solo went to the 694 was that the 690 wouldn't pass emissions and the 694 has a better air filtration system on it. It has been my experience that the 690 is a "bulldog", high torque type saw as opposed to a high rpm saw. IMO it will cut w/the other big boys just fine. I'm a big fan of the 690 if you couldn't tell. Uses Oregon bars and chains. There is a distributor in CA so finding a dealer shouldn't be a problem. Let us know what you decide, won't you?
Seesaw