Hi Danny,
Thanks for the ehlpful info.

I'm leaning toward this radio because I don't need anything quite as 
portable as the 817.

I may change my mind on this.

I'm mostly planning to use the radio from my desk top and will probably buy 
a Hansen keypad for it and a Super Antennas MP1.

It's nice to know that the internal tuner works well.

I had considered purchasing a Kenwood TS480SAT because the menu system seems 
quite accessible.

But I figured why buy a full power radio when I only plan to use 20 watts or 
so.

I'm going to start the right way first.

Buying the antenna and power supply first and probably the keypad.

In the past I've purchased rigs first then worried about the other stuff.

For once I'm trying to do things in a decent order.

73's and happy new year.

Eric