I don't think we're saying they're not good radios, although even Yaesu 
fans admit they have quality control problems, but the point I'm making is 
accessibility.  I don't care if it is the best radio ever made and it only 
costs two hundred dollars, if it isn't accessible to me, what good is it 
to me?  I haven't seen the radio I won, but so far from what folks have 
written, it won't do me much good which makes me sad as it covers 160 
through 440 and has a lot of bang for the buck.  My main problem with 
Yaesu is their attitude ow unwillingness to put in speech.  I guess the 
450 has it, but none before have and the technology is cheap and been 
around for years.  My 440 I bought back in 85 had a speech option.  The 
last Yaesu I owned, I think was a 980, not sure of the number, owned it 
back in early 80s.  I owned it for a year and 6 months out of that year it 
spent in the shop.  I just wish I'd won a radio that talked.
73
Butch Bussen
wa0vjr
open Node 3148
Las Vegas