Carpentry and Woodworking - 12" miter saws - sliding or not?

I am a new homeowner with a long projects list for bookcases, shelving, moldings, etc. I want to buy a 12" miter saw in the next month, but I am unsure which one to buy. I'm pretty sure that I want a dewalt, but should I get the sliding saw or not? What are the advantages/disadvantages of getting the sliding miter saw? I've read on the dewalt website that the sliding saw is a 15 amp motor, but the one in Home Depot is 13. Is that an old version?

Thanks!

-Janice

I've changed my mind and want to get the Makita LS1212. Is it better than the dewalt?

Or, how about the new Delta Dual laser??

They're all good saws, the slide will allow you to cut through more than a 2 x 4s - thus 2x6's and 2x8s are no problem.

fred

The local Home Depot here has the Ryobi 12" on sale for $199 right now. I did a little research and it has the same features as the Dewalt and the Makita. This is not for the sliding version though.

I looked at the Dewalt, but decided against it when the floor model I looked at had about 1/2" of play in the head. On the other hand, the LS1212 is rock solid. I think the LS1212 is hard to beat in terms of quality but it is fairly pricey.

Also, there is a great article in a recent Fine Woodworking that shows how to tune your miter saw. May seem unecessary, but 1/2 of a degree can make a big difference in some situations.

I have had the Makita LS1013 (10" slider dual compound) for about 3 months now and find it to great. I can cut boards up to 11 1/2" wide at 90 degrees. Have done lots of framing, finishing and trim work including crown moulding. Great saw for the money. Comes in at about $200 less than the 12"

Thanks for all the advice. I have to see what my husband will buy me for Christmas, but I told him I want the Makita LS1212...we'll see if I get it!