I haven't flown either airplane (I soloed on an LT40) but there have been a couple of students out at the field lately with NexStars. Since the club uses a buddy box to teach, the instructors disconnected the AFS after a couple of flights. If, (please say you are ) going to be using a buddy box, you might find you can spend the same amount of money(or close to it) and get another trainer without all the gadgets and a fancier radio. While the radio included with the NexStar is just fine, it is a relatively simple four channel radio.

Having said that, there is a difference of opinion on the question of starting out with a simple 4 channel vs a computerized six channel radio.

From Tower Hobbies:
NexStar $390
Goldberg Eagle 2 ARF(110), OS 46LA(70), Airtronics VG6000(170)=$350
Sig LT 40(132), OS 46AX(110) Airtronics VG6000(170)=412

...I'm not recommending any particular engine/radio/airplane... but making your own combo and borrowing a flight sim might be a viable option for you and give you a radio with a bit more "oomph" if that's what you want to do....