Buying a computer radio with 6, 7, 8, or even 9 channels can be a good idea, but at the same time, as a new student, you also need to have the self control to NOT start playing with the various bells and whistles on the transmitter. Having a Futaba 9C myself, I know how easy it is to look at all the various things and wonder "what will this do?". Since I've only flown a few times myself, I would leave ALL the transmitter settings alone and try to set up your plane by adjusting linkages. When you get to the field and start working with an instructor, have the instructor make all the transmitter adjustments and, AFTER THE PLANE IS BACK ON THE GROUND, have the instructor go over what (s)he did and why. I'm sure RCKen would agree with me on this, since Ken is an instructor