RE: Which radio?
There seems to be two camps here as well. Some advocate buying a cheap, simple radio as a beginner, and others advocate buying the most capable computer radio you can afford right from the outset.
Some people have difficulties grasping complicated technology at first, and they're best served by starting with something simple and straightforward. Others easily cope with sophisticated technology and don't have any problems setting up and using complicated computer radios.
Everyone must decide for themselves which camp they fall into. It's up to the rest of us to provide both viewpoints.