Hi Eric, several reasons, among which are,
vhf-uhf Air-FM broadcast coverage,
Internal battery,
UpDown buttons on mic can operate keyer,
rig's much smaller,
Has both bnc and coax ant plugs,
200+Memories,
like the sound of its' receive better,  not as tiring to listen2,
*With the MP1 antenna and its' rig mounting bracket/which can also be used 
for the 703,  you have a 1piece portable radio, including ant, mic, and 
Keyer.
*It's _not for everybody,
*the 703's more inately blind friendly, but there are good 817 workarounds, 
which for me at least, make it my portable rig of choice.
HTH, Danny.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Eric Clegg" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, April 01, 2010 6:39 PM
Subject: Re: Icom Ic703


> HI Danny,
> Why doyou like the 817 over the Icom 703?
>
> I still have Jack's e-mail address so I can ask him any questions as well.
>
> Thanks for your helpful comments as always.
>
> ERic
> KU3I
>
>
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