Hi, I have the TS480, also and I love it and have no plans to upgrade. However, I do have a visually impaired friend who is considering the 480. Should he give the 870 a look as well? Can anyone compare the two radios for me, so I can pass this info on to him? Thanks much. And, no, I have not tried using the split feature either, so can be of no help in that area. 73 Kris