I just ordered a Baofeng UV5R through amazon.ca, so will be looking forward to getting this radio.  I didn't bother getting the programming cable, as for one, I'm on a MAc here, and the software is Windows based, and more than likely the programming cable, like so many I've seen for other radios, terminates in a serial plug, going into the computer.  Why these radio manufacturers don't have programming cables that have a USB connector on the end going into the computer, I don't know, as serial is seriously out of date.  If you can get a programming cable for these baofeng radios that terminates in a USB connector going into the computer, I'd be interested to know that.  73 de Dan VA3ETS.    
On 2013-09-06, at 9:52 PM, Tom Brennan <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> Thanks, Mike.  I found that the uv-5r x+ has 2m and 1.25m on it but none have
> the three bands.  Also, I have seen in a number of places that only the uv-5r
> itself allows the use of the extended batteries, the newer programming cable,
> and some other things without modification.  What I am seeing is to get the 54
> and forget the 5ra, 5rf, 5rx, 5r x+, etc.
> 
> The uv-5r is currently $35 from Amazon with free shipping.
> 
> Tom
> 
> 
> Tom Brennan  KD5VIJ, CCC-A/SLP
> web page http://titan.sfasu.edu/~g_brennantg/sonicpage.html