The cost of low end R/C has gone down quite a bit recently... and the quality of the low end aircraft has improved significantly.

Avoid 2 channel 2-stick setups. They will at best teach you bad habits if you desire to advance later. Try to get a setup that includes at least a 3 channel FM system. (not what you wanted to hear... as the 3 ch FM costs almost th same as a 4 ch FM system.)

The 27 mhz radios ALL have very limited range... The Firebird XL's worst point is you can have it out of radio range in under 1 minute. (otherwise its not a bad setup... Just needs a better radio system.)

The Cox setups also tend to have limited range and the (bad) 2-stick 2-channel transmitter.

You CAN get some enjoyment out of the cheap low range package deals... just remember they are a LONG way from giving you any ability to advance without buying all new R/C equipment.

There are some good Electric aircraft out there. The Great Planes Spirit with electric drive and 3 ch radio isn't bad. Relatively easy to learn to fly, ad can give a lot of enjoyment with some advancement potential. There's also the 3 channel "Sky Scooter Pro." (which I haven't seen... but the specs are all good.)