Man, spring for the K2 instead. While it still doesn't talk unless
you're leashed to a computer, it does have a keypad for frequency
entry. However, it is only HF ham bands--no general coverage, no VHF
or UHF, but the receiver is reviewed across the board as being
comparable to much more expensive radios. It may be a bit bigger than
an FT-817,  but still. ... You can get a bunch of neat options for the
thing as well (SSB, noise blanker, keyer, battery pack, automagic
antenna tuner, etc. etc.) ... And there's a whole list of folks who
will build it for you for free or cheap. Wouldn't mind having one
myself.

www.elecraft.com
--
Buddy Brannan, KB5ELV/3  | I choose you to take up all of my time.
Email: [log in to unmask] | I choose you because you're funny and kind
                         | I want easy people from now on.
                         | --the Nields