DTMF is there. There are even DTMF memories. Check out the Kenwood web site and download the users manual. In fact, if you are also considering a Yaesu, download the manual for that one too. Read both of them to get an idea for how they work.

You are correct about the F6 being a little long in the tooth. However, you have to realize that amateur radio is a niche market. For every HT that is sold, probably 1000 mp3 players and digital cameras are sold, so you cannot expect the same frantic product cycle. but the Kenwood is still a good solid radio. Yes, there are a few comprmises in the general receiver. But one thing that I love is that it has two receivers. The "A" receiver is optimized for ham bands only, and it does a good job. The "B" receiver is the DC-to-daylight one, and it is hard to get great performance and a huge tuning range together. I am just amazed that you can get so much functionality in a package this size. The electronics (minus the battery pack) is about the size of a deck of cards -- amazing.

In my opinion, the Kenwood and the Yaesu VX-7R are both wonderful units. You can't go wrong with either one. The Yaesu is waterproof and has 6M, and almost no power on 220. The Kenwood has no 6M, 5W in 220, SSB receive, and a bar antenna.

BTW: One thing about the Yaesu that kind of annoyed me is that it has the flashing light on the front, and a "slot machine" video game built-in. This just struck me as being to goofy. I wanted an HT where the engineers were focusing on performance, not flash.