While no one needs more than 4 channels or any dual rates, expo, etc to fly a trainer as soon as they make that next step into another airplane they will also be looking to setup and play with dual rates, mixes, expo and everything else a computer radio has to offer. Not to mention when he does make that step he won't have to buy a second radio or try to setup both airplanes using that same 4 channel radio.

I know I wish I'd started with a computer radio just because I'd had the ability to play with those features even with my trainer. While the average beginner don't need things like dual rates it sure can help the instructor and student as he learns. I use dual rates when I instruct and if the student shows good progress on low rates I can increase the fun factor with the flip of a switch and then it's a whole new ball game.

Like mattebox said these younger pilots aren't afraid of computer related stuff. It's the older generation that are afraid of them, not because they are older but because they've flown all these years without them and don't see a need for them. Instead of using one computer radio they haul around 3-5 basic 4 channel radios and then wonder which radio goes to which airplane. Now I know there is nothing wrong with this but with the technology of today it's so much simpler than that.