How consistent is the thickness of the strips? If they're within .010", it's probably good enough.

That said, a thickness planer is a very useful tool, one of the "three basic power tools" of a woodworking shop (table saw, jointer, planer). Until you have one, you don't realize how useful it is. Either of the ones you listed would work fine. I happen to have the Dewalt and I've been quite happy with it. However, if I were to buy another one, I'd spend the extra money to get one with a spiral carbide cutter head. I converted my jointer to one and the difference is huge; better surfaces with less effort, MUCH less noise and zero blade sharpening.