Wayne,

I bought a microwave about six months ago and also went with a
Panasonic. The only reason I bought it was that it has a true
variation in power. As you said, most microwaves have 50% power as
cycling half full power and half the time off. The Panasonic is
actually at 50% power all the time. Using the power setting at three
or four keeps things hot, but stops the boil over problem.

I'd have to check, but the power is over 1,000 watts and it was under
$100, probably the same $89 you paid. So far, only six months or so,
it has been trouble free.

To answer the o.p.'s question: I don't really care about the brand,
but I'd definitely want the true variable power feature.

Ken