As an update, I ended up getting the VX-7R. It was a little less expensive than the 8R and I don't think I needed any of the extra features anyway. I also picked up the AA battery pack so I can run it off AA batteries if the power is out. And although the manual doesn't say so, it does work with NIMH rechargeables too.

I took the Tech and General tests in January and passed both, so I'm good to go with the license. I bought a pocket repeater directory and programmed in all the local repeaters.

So far it works great for AM/FM, Weather, and VHF ham bands. I've programmed in the CB frequencies, but it only picks up signals from very close by. The antenna is just not designed for the lower frequencies. And unfortunately, our law enforcement here uses a digital trunking system, so I can't pick up any of that. All in all, it's a great little radio. Though, I may look into getting a mobile rig for my vehicle since the handheld doesn't have much range.

Thanks again for all the advice.