Thinking of having a sprinkler system installed on our lawn. In addition to the lawn, we also have 3 flower beds. What do you look for in a sprinkler system? What are must haves? I know I want to have a rain gage and a backflow device. Which type of sprinkler heads are better, oscillating, rotor, gear driven or something else? Is it best to mount the controls outside or in the garage? Some of the brands I have heard of are Rainbird and Hunter. Which is better and why?

Have at least three estimates from local companies if you are having someone else install. Take notes on what each recommends and ask them why.
There are various reasons why a certain type of head works better in certain yards, with different types of tree waste (acorns for instance), if you often have windy conditions, etc. We have a 17 year old Rainbird installation, that has given us very minimal needed repairs to any of the heads, and still works. But currently I think their may be better options with Hunter?
I like the fact that most controls are mounted in garages here. No one but the owner has freedom to mess with the controls that way. We also tend to have gravity drains on flatter lots, so blowing out the lines with compressed air in the fall is not necessary.

The more estimates you get, the more information you can gather. Also, I'd ask friends, coworkers and neighbors if they have been happy with their installation.

Conrad, thank you for your response. It good to know that your Rainbird has lasted so many years.

I have talked to a few different irrigation installers. Each, say their system is the best. One installer even mixes Rainbird and Hunter parts.

What have you heard about Hunter? Conrad, over the past 17 years, what has need repairs on your system?

Actually I guess I have heard good things about Hunter on these boards? This is just an off time of year for the discussions. When we put ours in, I asked for and insisted on the most trouble free of sprinkler heads at the time. We paid a little more for the brass sprayers on the pop ups, but a couple have had to be replaced with plastic, because that is what is now readily available.
Our rainbird system has only needed about five pop up sprayers replaced in the time we have had it. They were by the curb, and probably run over, or a snow blade once damaged one, once a lawn mower decapitated one.
Our corner lot is about 120' by 120', and nearly all is lawn where the sprinklers are located. We do have a three stationary sprayers in with peonies and bushes on the south side yard.
Our Big Paw impact sprinklers, that cover the largest lawn areas in the front, need cleaning out every couple of years, since acorns and stems can roll into the void area where they hide when not operating. I am not sure if they even make and install those type any more?
The rest of the mechanics and timer, etc has been just fine. I learned to replace the pop ups myself (it's easy) and we winterize and restart the system every spring ourselves.

Yep they will all tell you theirs is the best system. The guy that mixes the two types may have a good idea?