RE: Computer vs standard transmitter...
You asked if the features were worth the cost. I promise if you get a decent computer radio you will not know how you got along without one. I learn't to fly on a very, very basic Am futaba set. This took a long time to set up models with and having two models was a real problem with having to send servos away to get reversed. When you have a computer radio you dont even think about these things. Let alone dual rates, mixing, expo etc, etc.
Also if you have more than one model, your controller is the only thing that you use for every plane.