Just like knives or flashlights or any other piece of gear, we both the good fortune and burden of many choices.

Schwert, you posted a good list of the essential features.

The Yaesu VX-7R is just what I chose to buy, ICOM, Kenwood and others have comparable or better radios. I personally don't find programming my radio to be a problem. It can get a little tedious if you have 100 channels to program. But I also carry a handy little "Nifty" cheat-sheet for my radio. It is difficult to remember how to get to those rarely used features.

eham.com is a good place to read reviews and find out what others think before you buy. And by all means, find a local club and talk to people. Every ham I've met is more than willing to show you his gear and share experience...

Doug
AC8BY