Looks like everyone is looking into backup power after this horrific storm. I don't know if you remember a post I a asked other here as to whether I need to get a generator in Montgomery county. Since then, I have been looking into portable generators. I have pretty much narrowed down to one in particular, a Honda EU3000IS. It's quite pricey, $2K but supper quiet and reliable. My boss @home said that the only reason I am getting a generator is for the "fish". So now I have to look into alternatives to justify my reason to get one.
Also, in Mont. county noise ordinance maximum is 65dB during the day and 55dB @ night. So a quiet one is a must if have to run it all night long. Anyway, I personally believed that reliability comes with a price.