I had a DeWalt DW744 Benchtop saw, when I got it in maybe 2000, it was certainly the best bench top saw on the market, I don't know if that is true anymore.
I read a Fine Woodworking >>
article << and they reviewed these saws.....
Prices Saw Only/ with stand
Bosch 4100-09 $500/$650
Craftsman 21828 $314/NA (stand included)
DeWalt DW744X $530/$630 (Base model Includes simpler, non-rolling stand pictured)
Jet JBtS-10mjS NA/$610 (stand sold with saw)
Makita 2705X1 $570/$690
Ridgid R4510 NA/$450 (stand sold with saw)
While I can't just copy the article from Fine Woodworking here (you need a membership to see the linked article above, but you can get a free 14 day membership) I think I can tell you what their conclusion was;
Picking a best-overall saw here is tough. Most of the saws have
enough power and accuracy to handle just about anything a serious
woodworker would throw at them, but it’s the little things
that make all the difference.
I think the Bosch is the best overall choice for woodworkers,
because it’s accurate, smooth, and powerful. It doesn’t really
have a single stand-out feature, but all of its features rank near
the top. It’s one of two saws with an arbor lock (for easier blade
changes), and it was the most powerful saw. Also, it easily has
the best stand and most useful accessories. Taken together, it’s
an excellent package.
The Ridgid and DeWalt saws are also very solid performers. But
since the Ridgid has the lowest price with a stand included, it gets
the best-value award.
Does your buddy need portability? if he needs to be able to roll the saw around or to a jobsite, then a good stand is important, but if it is just going to sit on a bench all day, then you could not buy the stand.
If you don't count the stand, the DeWalt and the Bosch are neck and neck, I've not seen the Bosch up close, so I can't really say anything about it, but, if I were in the market for a bench top or portable tablesaw again, I'd look REALLY hard at the Bosch, but I would not have a problem owning another DeWalt.
I hope this helps!