I sounds like you have not used a router before. (If you have, sorry for the story)
I have Bosch, Makita, Sears and used Dewalt and PC. (I used to work in a hardwood lumber mill and was/am a woodworker. I
was because in Laredo, hardwoods are VERY expensive, and I was spoiled from having access to all that top quality lumber
).
I favor my Bosch. IF you are going to do any amount of work, buy the higher HP and better brands. Get the larger collet as said above. Like any tool, you usually get what you pay for. The options of having both plunge and fixed bases is a real benefit. Examine the base and make sure it is solid and well finished. You can't believe the pain an out-of-round or poorly fabricated base can cause!
Now, assuming you are not experienced with routers, fixed or plunge, routers can be difficult and dangerous if you are not accustomed to using them. They take PRACTICE to get a good clean cut with proper technique and cutting depth. Run the proper feed/rotation to grain direction and make multiple cuts for anything of any depth.
Spend some time on the internet investigating router techniques. And practice on scrap boards for your style of cut.
Never set it down while the bit is still coasting. Always unplug it before working on or adjusting the bit. Wear eye protection. Routers spit shavings and are very powerful. I think I have heard of more injurys from routers than most other tools, esp when mounted in tables. You can't really see the bit when it is at speed and they are completely unforgiving of the smallest mistake. A lot of people get hurt from table saws, but people 'know' they are dangerous so they take extra care. But a router seems like such a small cutting edge and often your fingers are in close proximity to the bit that you often slipup and WHAM!
However, in any case, spend the money to buy a HIGH quality carbide bit with quality bearings. This can save you countless hours sanding, and dollars in replacement stock from ruined/burned projects. The money spent here is well worth the costs. They should have some "heavy" carbide (don't fall for cheap thin carbide tools. They chip in no time and then you have nothing) Treat these like gold. They are if you are doing any amount of woodworking.
One last hint that you don't often see, Don't bottom the bit in the route collet. Many fist timers assume this is best. However, many bits have a fillet at the base and you won't get a true clamp on the shaft. Let it extend a bit and the bit will clamp up tight and not wander.
(good list of free plans here: 
Linear Mode
