John Smith wrote:
Jerseyj wrote:

...
Mmmmm...given how long I own my radios, and given how quickly pc
hardware improves, I'd probably go for the model that doesn't include
the integrated PC.

Jerry

The firmware is upgradeable, they promise to allow you access to any new
versions of the SDR software.

The CPU is an intel dual core; Just how much processing power do you
need to run a radio? But then, you can cruise the web on this "radio!",
run other apps (think EZNEC here), etc.

Also, if you need to control it remotely, you can still do so from
another computer via firewire (say put the transceiver in your trunk and
run it from a laptop in your passenger compartment), LAN, or
WAN--wireless-ly. Indeed, you can control this rig from anywhere in the
world using VOIP!

Personally, I thought it time to buy. Will certainly beat anything I
can homebrew here ... your mileage may vary.

Regards,
JS
As a short term investment in a radio it may not be bad value but in
this fast changing market that has not yet had any of the big 4 players
make a move the resale value in 5 years may be rather lower than you
would expect for a conventional radio - think of the value of a 2002
computer with a then state of the art sound card.


Steve H (Luddite)