On Thu, 05 Oct 2006 18:39:12 -0700, Ed Byars wrote:

I am going to buy a radio that I hope will last me many years. I want
to start with a mobile that will also serve as a base station.I am
looking at a YAESU FT-857D.

Any comments on the pros or cons of this as a beginner radio that can
stay with me as I develop my skills?

It is hard to go wrong with any Yaesu or Icom radio. If you find you
prefer something else, there will be no problem trading or selling it,
assuming you will lose a bit of money after it has been used. Chances are
very good you will not want to part with it...I wish I still had my first
radio...