I learned on a NexStar and also loved mine. I still fly it too. I like it because everything was in one box. I didn't have to go find an engine, servos, transmitter and receiver, etc. nor did I have to install everything. It's amazingly acrobatic too.

There are trainer planes that are cheaper but as I mentioned you will have to go get the other things separately but will save some money. It wasn't worth my time so I bought what you are looking into.

You will find that everyone will tell you to disable the AFS system and I agree with that. The other training aids I left on for the first few flights but they came off quick.

Before you buy anything, I recommend you check with your instructor and local club (you do belong to one right?) and see what they have or recommend. There was one club that I checked into that had their own trainer planes that I could have learned to fly on for free. Yours may too.

Also, check out [link=http://gettingairborne.com]gettingairborne.com[/link] because it was created by a couple of knuckleheads that are on RCU too . It's good info for beginners.

Best of luck!