Congrads Carl, it's great to see another new ham!  Where are you located?
 I have been following the 4th area callsigns, as my beloved takes her
test on Thursday.  They are just about done with the I suffexes, so Aimee
will probably get a KK4I-- or KK4J--.  The newest call showing now on
Hamdata.com is KK4IWN, wich was issued on the 27th!

As far as a new radio, the Chinese hand-helds seem to be the best deal
going, especially the Baofeng, wich is going for $65 for a dual band,
wich has some speech feedback.
 
73:
John

John Jacques
Amateur Radio Station: KD8PC
"Where Cat Is,  Is Civilization!"