There are pros and cons but if you're pretty confident that the hobby is for you and you will be in it for the long haul a higher end radio can save you $. I have two 4 channel radios and a six channel I will probably never use again. Mid and up level computer radios make setting up planes so much easier with adjustable travel etc, etc. One radio can store settings for several planes making it versatile. A mid level computer radio can take you a long ways and with judicious shopping it can be had for a reasonable price.