You should get in touch with a local club and get all the help you can from them, including learning to fly, it will definately help your budget. And YES the 4 channel is better >> check with a club !!!

I hate it when a student comes out that just bought what ever anyone says they need, chances are they got a lousey plane, a radio that is out of date or not compatable with anything, the engine is either way to big or small and they have a bunch of junk in their flight box that they don't really need yet, if ever. Then they get bent because the instructor says it won't work. []

Sorry about the preaching, but think about it. [:-] ENJOY !!! RED