wesf66 wrote:
I use a dowelmax doweling jig, and it works great. It can, however,
be
quite time consuming. Are biscuits close to the same strength? They
look like they would be a lot faster, but I thought I'd ask a few
questions before paying a few hundred for a new tool. Are there
significant differances between buscuit jointers? Are there certain
features that I should look for?

Biscuits would be stronger than dowels, although I have no way
of proving that assertion other than my own experience.
They are probably the fastest way of joining other than
bolted metal fixtures or nails.
Dowels let you do tricks like making tops look like they "float"
off a base frame. Can't do that with biscuits.
Watch out if you use thin wood: the biscuit shape can telegraph
back to the surface.

Dunno if there are significant diffs between jointers.
I use the Makita. Suspect the usual quality control issues
of the really cheap tools will apply. Look for something
that lets you change the blade easily. And lets you lock
the fence(s) firmly. Check the fence(s) for wobble when locked.
Check the plunge action for ease and no "sticking".
Check if it is easy to see the index mark in all positions.