Of course no one needs a computer radio to learn.

Using Futaba and Tower as examples (not definitive but representative)

4 channel radio $150 4VF
6 channel computer radio $230 6XAS
futaba flight pack $109

If one buys a 4 channel, then later a 6 channel computer radio you've spent $380

If one buys the 6 channel computer radio then a flight pack you've spent $339.

If one buys the 4 channel then later a flight pack you've spent $259

My experience, and it's only mine, is that once I got the computer radio, the old 4 and 6 channels went on the shelf, never to be seen again. I couldn't even use the tx battery packs, they were different. The fact that I did have an extra transmitter didn't help me. I have two 4 channel's, two 6 channel's, one 5 channel and one 7 channel. The only radios I use, for the 5 planes I fly are the 7 and 5 channel. I suppose I could sell some of them. If one can use one radio to control all of his/her aircraft you're that much ahead. All of this, of course, assumes the person will stay with the hobby, and can afford it at the start since it's not the cheapest way to start, but it's a way to consider.