You guys got me; I'm going to go nitro. I was pricing planes with two nimh packs. Lipos are more expensive and needy than my ex was! Also, I'm a pretty busy guy, and don't expect to have lots of days flying, so when I do, I want the most out of it. And I get bored as much as anyone else, so that post about losing interest in electrics really spoke to me.

I'm strongly considering the Hobbico Avistar 40 Select 4-channel RTF 59". It has ailerons, which I like, a futaba 4ch radio which I can use on my next (lo-wing) plane when I get there, and is an "advanced" trainer, so I'm hoping it can do a little more than a basic trainer.

Second choice is the Hangar 9 Alpha Trainer, but I don't think this one has ailerons.

anyone know what the difference between the "flat bottom" wing on the basic trainer, and the wing on the Avistar is?

Thanks everyone for all the help.