dbow,

Being relatively new to the hobby (for a second time), I recently went through the same set of questions, for myself. This is what I knew: I would have more than one plane (I already have four), I did not want to carry a box of transmitters to the field, and on everything but my trainer, I wanted exponential available.

Here is part of something I posted in the Radios forum a little while back:

Although they can be purchased together, radio systems are basically two parts: the transmitter and the flight pack. If I take the price of a complete radio system, and subtract the cost of the flight pack, that gives me the cost of the transmitter. Basic Futaba flight packs can be found, with crystal and BB servos, for about $123 ($138 minus $15 Tower discount).

Here are some TRANSMITTER costs, in order of cost. These are Tower Hobbies website prices, less July's $15 rebates, $10-$20 gift certificates, and $123 flight packs.

Futaba 4VF - $2 ($150 minus $15 rebate, $10 g.c., $123 f.p.)
Futaba 6XAS - $82 ($230 minus $15 rebate, $10 g.c., $123 f.p.)
Futaba 9CAF - $222 ($380 minus $15 rebate, $20 g.c., $123 f.p.)

So:
The 4VF is basically a free transmitter.
Entry-level computer transmitters cost about $50-$100.
Higher-end computer transmitters cost about $150-$220.

That is the basis for my recommendation. To defer costs, the 4VF can be purchased for the trainer. After the trainer, it can then be shelved AT NO COST. Think about it as buying your second flight pack first.

JMHO. Then again, opinions are like you-know-what.

BTW, nice looking plane. Happy flying!