Well,
We have all been there. Trying to figure out what to get for our first
radio and not enough money.
There is a lot to be said for just biting the bullet and buying
something like the old Icom 706 mark 2 g with a good speech synthesizer.
That's what I would do, but that is looking back at some years ago.
Whatever you do, you will have a great time!
Richard K F 5 U B