I agree that a 6 channel computer radio is a good choice, but ONLY if you can afford one. The extra 50 or 60 bucks may seem trivial to some, but to others it's a matter of "buy a 4 channel now, or a 6 channel computer 6 months from now" (and God only knows what unexpected bills will crop up in the next 6 months!)

So while a 6 channel computer radio is desirable, there's nothing wrong with starting out with a basic 4 channel. (For that matter, most of the planes I see at the field on a regular basis can be flown just as well with a basic 4 ch)

And the 6 channel computer will always make a great Xmas (Chanuka, Birthday, Kwanzaa etc.) gift in the future.