I disagree about going extra basic for the first radio. The non-computer 4ch radios have one real advantage- price. I started with a 6ch computer radio and found it to be quite helpful even with a trainer. The trim memory was a great safety feature, adjustable travel volume and dual rates let me try a different throw setup while letting me keep the one I knew worked, and when I moved to another 4 channel plane later I just had to set up another model in the memory.