Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

Unfortunately my Simplicity Snow Tackler, complete with the New York Giants theme, quit on me after the last storm here in Conn.  I want to upgrade to a 2 stage unit, however, I'm a bit confused as to what to buy.  Supplies in the area are limited, seems everyone and his brother needs a new snow blower.

I have a medium size driveway, 2 cars wide and about 60 feet long.  I also have about 200ft of side walk.

My basic questions are:
1. Are the units at the big box stores so bad that they will quit on me in only a few years?

2. What features are worthy of spending a bit more money on?  For example, Easy Turn (or it's cousins on other manufacturers machines), one hand operation, ect....

I've been looking at the Cub Cadet 524 because of it's "easy" moverability, Troy-Bilt 26in from Lowes, Ariens 624, Toro 826.

Obviously very different machines with different prices.  Any help would be appreciated.