In my PERSONAL opinion, the NexStar is a 'suitable' trainer, but I think the Eagle II or Avistar are better choices. But again, just my opinion, based on watching a few new hobbyists train on each, and having flown the Avistar briefly.

Now, I DO have a strong suggestion in the radio department. JR has recently come out with a line of radio equipment called 'JR Sport'. These are VERY capable components for you first 2-3 planes, and extremely inexpensive. A very suitable 4 channel computer radio, with 4 servos included, can be obtained for $119 MSRP. Servos are as inexpensive as $10 as well. There is also a Sport line 6 channel radio, with servos, for < $200.

While these certainly aren't 'top of the line' pieces of equipment, the servos and gear are more than suitable for your first several planes, and the radios, while they do lack some of the niftiest features of today's modern radios, should serve a new hobbyist quite well for several years.

While I can't tell you this is an inexpensive hobby ($450 is not at all unusual for getting started) I DO think the lower cost of the JR Sprt line may help you stay under your $400 budget. Example:

Tower Hobbies sells the Avistar for $100, an OS LA 40 engine for $60. The 4 channel JR Sport radio will include servos to fly it, another $120. Poof...$300 or so, you're flying.

HTH, and good luck!