P in NH, the short body height has shown no problem in cutting a straight line, it doesn't wander. As with any saw you have to steer it through the cut.

Chris, I use a number of pruning tools in association with cutting joinery. And the bigboy does not like to rip, at all. And for reasons you stated I am not holding out they will come out with a rip version. I like how it folds up and I don't need my bulky saw box but I still take it with me.

model #616 It's 3 clicks away under woodworking then saws
http://www.hidatool.com/shop/shop.html