Ephraim wrote:

I'm less than a newbie. I have no radio or experience and am wondering what
the ins and outs are. The idea of conversing with people all over the
place sounds very interested.

Can someone give me some feedback on how it works, what kind of range there
is, general ideas about the $$ involved, and a few things I'm too ignorant
to ask? I know there is a broad range but I have to start somewhere.

You must be thinking about 'HAM' radio.

Here is a good place to begin looking:

http://www.arrl.org/

Steve
Holland, MI
Drake R7, R8 and R8B

http://www.iserv.net/~n8kdv/dxpage.htm