Free: Contests & Raffles.
The Ryobi stuff i have seems pretty decent. I got a hedge trimmer and blower as well. Like the fact that I have batteries to swap in between each tool. Not the power of anything gas powered, but for the quick homeowner stuff, they work well... without some of the gas-associated hassles.
I ended up buying the 20v Dewalt weed eater. Worked pretty dang good after I put better string on it. Battery lasted on high for probably a half hour or so. Was pretty impressed at how well it performed.