RE: Radio brand
Well, it looks like my findings (such as they are) are:
Spektrum DX7 is every bit a radio that I will (ever?) need. It looks fantastic except the price is way out of my range at the moment at $350 fot the kit.
The Hitec Optic looks nearly as good, with pretty much the same features, but 72Mhz. $210 - $250..... A little pricey (for me) but not out of the question.
Futaba 6EXAS looks pretty nice. basic computer model, multiple aircraft etc for $160-$180
JR JSP1600 radio ditto the Futaba, about $10 cheaper. The XP6102 is out of my price range. I just don't have the money for that.
The Hitec Laser 6 is out of the question. Not computer, single model, etc.
Airtronics has a model that looked pretty nice. I'll have to get the catalog back out and research it.
The radio systems look very similar to each other just as others have mentioned. It really looks like it's gonna come down to price. I'll keep looking.