Futaba has just released a 4-channel computer radio, and it's very affordable. Only $149 at Tower Hobbies

[link]http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXKJD8**&P=0[/link]

In spite of what my last post said, I do understand that some need to get a radio for several model because of the money issue. This could be a low cost starter computer radio. It's got a 4 model memory and should be plenty of radio for the starting pilot, and should be fine well into your 2nd or 3rd model

Hope this helps

Ken