I agree, Jim. We won't ever convince these guys. But I think it's our duty to challenge this single-minded thinking and present an alternative viewpoint so that any beginner who reads this thread can evaluate and decide for themselves.

As Mike said above and as we have been saying all along, computer radios are not for everyone, but for certain people they do make sense. Making a broad generalization that all beginners should get a basic radio and flat out dismissing all other options as having zero benefit is in my opinion, close minded thinking.

You naysayers should give beginners more credit. There are many bright, capable beginners out there who know how to use technology in addition to common sense. These people need the alternate voice presented here.

As for the buddy box issue, all I will say further is that any beginner who has any doubts about compatibility should contact the radio manufacturer themselves instead of listening to anyone here.