MockV, I agree with the recommendation for the Hitec Flash 5. Yes, you need to buy flight packs on the same channel as the transmitter. And yes, the transmitter "remembers" the setting (trim, servo direction, etc.) for each model.

Big warning: Be very careful when you go between models! It is very easy to crash because you are flying model 1, but the transmitter is set to model 2. You might not realize it right away, since some of the controls might work right, or seem close enough.

In my opinion, the biggest benefit to a computer radio is none of the above, but the digital trims. Once set, they stay forever, you don't have to worry about bumping a trim tab, and then having to retrim the plane.

The downside of the computer transmitter (but well worth it IMHO) is the complexity of programming. I doubt I could set up an entire plane without consulting my "cheat sheet", and I've done it quite a few times.