you dont need a nexstar either. they are great trainers, but people learned to fly on "normal" trainers for years with great success. you can learn foamies quickly and easily and cheaply, you could go electric non foamy for cheaper than a nexstar, or you can buy in a combo for cheaper than a nexstar. with a buddy box, you could learn on jets or helis if you wanted to, although i would not reccomend it.

what means more to you? the ready to fly condition or the cost? if all you want is ready to fly, you wont have too many choices after you get past your first aircraft, whatever that may be.

what ever the case, a buddy box is by far the best way to learn, so whatever you get, a buddy box should be in order. see if the local club has one you could use.

the first order of business though is to go to the local club, and see what gear everyone is using. usually there is a general trend, like most of the club will be airtronics, or most of the club will be futaba or hitec. you want a radio that will work with theirs for training purposes unless you want to buy a buddy box too.