I’ve never owned a 260 or 260c, but people I know who have, have been less than stoked with them. Generally, stihl are bombproof, and idiot proof...at least I can’t kill them...but that model I can’t vouch for.
As far as maintaining one, sweet FA is needed. Very occasional air filter clean (assuming it’s air injected, like most decent saws). Good 2stroke oil, keep the bar oil full. My 18yo 391 has had one plug change, one oil pump replaced, and that’s literally it. I use the cuss outta it. (Ballarat weather, only wood heating, cut all my own). Never even had or needed new rings. Goes like a top, power-a-plenty still, and compression is fine. (This is the one I submerged in 2 foot of slurry, assumed I’d killed it, shelved it covered in mud for 18 months, cleaned off, lubed, fresh fuel, and away she went. Still oddly prefer it to my 440 magnum for some reason...maybe sentimentality).
The shindiawa are meant to go ok. NFI on longevity and parts. For slightly less, why risk it?
Those stihl prices aren’t great. I paid about that for my 440 in great nick. You don’t need something that big, but I reckon you can do better than those. Maybe something midsize in the 3 series?