Well, I found myself at Home Depot with $300 in gift cards. I was ready to spring for the Dewalt planer model 735, but they did not have it and no longer carry it in my area. Then I started to think I would be just fine with a less expensive planer (and would put the money saved toward a band saw). They had the Dewalt 734 and the Rigid R4330, both for $399. I have read enough good reviews of both planers here and other places. I ended up with the Rigid. Not having internet access with me, I was swayed by the box detailing self indexing blades for easy blade changing. I know the 735 has easy to change/adjust blades, but I was not sure of the 734.
So, did I make the right choice? With the gift cards it is essentially a $100 planer for me, but the box has yet to be opened.