RE: Beginner equiptment?
Sounds like you already know about these, But [link=http://www.hooked-on-rc-airplanes.com/ParkZone-Airplanes.html]Park Zone[/link] has BNF and PNP planes that might suit ya. The Parkzone T-28 Trojan RTF is a sweet airplane. Comes with a brushless motor and LiPo batteries. Just make sure you are up for it, its not a beginners plane.
Most of the [link=http://www.hooked-on-rc-airplanes.com/hobby-zone-rc.html]Hobby Zone[/link] planes fall within your price range, not so sure about flying well in much wind though.
The DX6i is a good radio, full range...