Since I'm a beginner, and am in the same boat as you are, I agree with the others recommending the 9C if you are truly hooked on this hobby. I took others advice and bought the 9C, as soon as I found out that I was hooked, and I've never been disappointed. I figured, why buy 2 transmitters a year apart, when I could buy one now that would last me for quite a while. I set up my trainer on it right off the bat, and have since programmed a total of 4 planes, with another on order right now, and I've only been flying since November of 2003. I am now flying a low wing trainer (Tiger 60), with the other models waiting in the wings for their turn. The 9C comes with a 14 model setup, and you only have to add modules for more. It is a true computer transmitter, and you can program switches to your hearts content, or stay with the basic 4 channel setup, and learn as you go (which is what I'm doing, I've only setup end points, dual rates, idle cut, and engine shutdown for now).

I bought mine from servocity.com, and am quite satisfied with their service. I believe that they are running the 9C transmitter for $249.00 plus crystal module now (I'm not sure), which is very competitive.

See Ya,
John