I just ordered my first airplane and I decided against the Nextstar and instead purchased a Sig Kadet LT-40. Here are my reasons.

All the ARF's I looked at came with a radio, receiver, servos, engine, and some with software, including the Nextstar.

All of these 'tag alongs' are sacrifices in my opinion and you will likely end up buying a new radio if you like the hobby and progress, and a better sim if you like the simulator.

The engine is an O.S. Max 46FXi - almost everyone I know prefers the 46AX, so that's what I bought. FXi is fine. AX is better, just that simple.

The NexSTAR simulator disk included in this kit is NOT compatible with any version of the RealFlight Add Ons Volumes and doesn't include all the airplanes and fields of the full version.

The radio is a Futaba 4 channel FM radio. I got a 7 channel radio and instead of FM it's 2.4 GHz, a real advantage since you don't have to worry about interference with other peoples frequencies.

Last, the AFS (Active Flight Stabilization), SpinControl, Airfoil Extensions, SpeedBrakes and Training Flaps are things I'm told alot of people end up taking off as instructor's and owners sometimes don't want them on the plane.

For a little more you can get a better engine, better radio (by far) and better trainer.

I'm not knocking the Nexstar; I'm sure it's a good trainer and good value. I just see it as a sacrifice that you can avoid by spending a little more money. Just my two cents.

If you're set on the Nexstar take a look at getting the ARF version along with a better 6 channel 2.4 GHz radio and better OS Max engine, something like this for 100 bucks more:

109.99 Nexstar ARF http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXJDH3&P=ML
129.99 OS Max 46AX http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXFMD5&P=ML
259.98 Futaba 6 channel 2.4 GHz Radio w/4 servos http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXSFY3&P=ML

If you can't afford to spend any more than 399 then save some money for other things and get the Tower RTF for 279 like RCKen said.