This statement negates your opening questions! Why on earth would you be concerned about a more capable transmitter unless you envision advancing further into the hobby?

The other thing to consider is that the hobby is way more than just flying. Its about what it takes to fly, why things fly, what makes things fly better or worse, and how good you will be able to fly the way you want to fly.

When you build a kit you gain a tremendous insight to real aircraft design and construction. If you successfully build a kit you still have to fly it. With an investment in materials, time, and personal effort; struggling to understand manuals, plans, other enthusiasts comments and observations you will to a certain extent "worry" the thing into the air. You'll be amazed at the "test pilot" feeling you'll experience and the concern that you don't destroy it before it gets off the ground.

If these thoughts have no meaning or are of no interest to you just spend $200 and get the latest RealFlight simulator. (you should do this anyway)

You'll be able to experience flying in a very realistic setting more aircraft than you can imagine and if you do it with the mindset of really doing it and not just watching the purty little planes crash on your screen you'll be developing real skills that translate directly to the field.

But if you desire to truly "experience" flying an airplane as far as you can with a model ...build one, rig it up, and fly it. And I'll name names, models, and a brand for you all with the objective of you being successful in your very first effort with a minimal investment.

While the deals are still out there get an Airtronics RDS8000 transmitter/reciever combo and a Magnum .15 XLS, and four 94102z servos all from www.hobbypeople.net. Order a Dynaflite Butterfly kit and some ultracote, CA glue, 30 minute epoxy, a covering iron, razor saw w/mitre box, and an exacto knife from Tower Hobbies. Get you a sturdy 6ft long folding leg formica top table (like in a elementary school cafeteria) and a good lamp to illuminate your workspace.

Set down to it in your quiet hours of the day and take it slowly, follow the direction, and build the plane. Commit to it, don't rush, and just see how long it takes until your finished - NO MATTER HOW LONG IT TAKES YOU. As you go along, realize you goof up, go to your local hobby shops and pickup the items you need. But as much as possible do it yourself without asking for assistance. When you finally bog down on something and have tried and tried to figure it out and just can't get your arms around it...Then get online and search out some build threads and research it.

When you finally have no alternative but to ask for help I bet you'll ask good questions and I'll bet you'll receive some good and much appreciated answers!

Then join the AMA, get to a club field and find out about membership and training. Let the members there assist you with making certain your plane is ready to fly, getting you in the air, and helping you to solo. But mostly LET THEM ASSIST YOU.

Truthfully I've given you an economical shortest route to a successful venture and one you'll have been proud to have undertaken.

Their are many routes you just have to choose one.

Best of luck to you,

Clay