Dan, et alia:
I am interested in getting an inexpensive HT that is Tri-Band and decent. Now, if anyone is a technical purist about specifications I already realize that any of the sub-$100 HTs are not going to come close to the ICOM 52A or something like that. I am considering to get an HT that is inexpensive and not something I will cry over if I drop it or it gets lost/stolen, whatever. However, with the forgoing in mind, I want to try to pick the best one that I can, so I am curious about everyone's ideas. Moreover, I surely want something that is compatible with Chirp and to get or make the right kind of cable for it.
The one radio I looked at so far was the BaoFeng UV-5x3 (I own no 220 radios, so it'd be fun to have that capability too). I am driving cross country soon and don't have any radios to take with me (they are all in the east coast). Once I get there I will have some ICOM radios (ICOM 5100A and an ID-1 installed).
Again, I am not out to start a "religious war", just get some opinions from people about (obviously) programmability (keypad and via computer) as well as day to day function and experiences.
I appreciate in advance everyone's comments.
73,
Stuart, N3GWG