RE: Good first computer radio?
232Cap-Tain has it right. Get a radio that you'll be able to grow into. Ten or eleven years ago I bought a JR 388s which (at the time) was JR's second-best radio. When the 8103 came out with digital trims I immediately bought one and sold the 388. The 8103 didn't do much more than the 388 but it was MUCH easier to program. I moved up to a 10x last year because I wanted more mixing flexibility and triple rates.
I would strongly suggest the JR XP8103DT. It will handle most planes and do it VERY well. The upper-end Hitec radios still don't hold a candle to the 8103. Guys are constantly fighting the Hitecs...especially when it comes to dual elevator setups.
Ultimately your choice of radio greatly depends on how AND IF you'll use the features the radio has to offer.
-Tom