Look at Hitec Optic6 or their 7channel. You can get a synth radio set around $200. Recently been selling around $180. for a set for the Optic 6. I wish I'd bought my Optic6 as the first radio.

Look at the JR7202 for synth and come in a set with RX that doesn't need crystals to jump to any frequency just like the 7202 does. Somewhere around $200 also. I wish the 7202synth had been out when I needed my first computer radio.

No brand is better than any other, it's the features for the price that matters. Or just features, like those two. They're worth the full price for their programming. They do what the more expensive do and everything any (not just beginners) modeler is going to need for years and years, until he needs more channels. The features are there, just not 9 or 10 channels.

With synth you won't have frequency problems at all.

2.4mhz is kewl, but right now, every RX you buy is going to be pricey. With the synths, you can use old ones, new ones, whatever. Like the excellent Hitecs that're $25-$30-$40 new.