aeajr,
I totally understand the economics of why some people buy a computer radio, and that they will buy a computer radio for uses down the road. But as an instructor I feel that a beginners especially does not need a computer radio. The convenience that a computer radio provides can cause a lot of frustration for a new pilot, and in some ways it can teach very bad flying habits. I feel that when a student is learning they need to learn how to control the airplane, and for my students I won't let them rely on crutches (computer radios and co-pilots such as the AFS in the Nexstar trainer). If a student uses these aids while learning they will never learn how to completely control the plane, which will cause more problems as the pilot progresses to other planes. The trainer is the time to learn these skills, not when the planes are bigger, faster, and stronger. In addition, I have watched new pilots spending hours trying to set up mixes and expo curves because "the book said so" but not understanding what or why they are doing it, and in the end all the do is frustrate themselves over something that they could have avoided.

That's my 2¢ worth

Ken