Lots of mixed messages out there. GRE is holding onto its pricing on the 500/600, while Radio Shack has been literally dumping them two sales in a row. Given the popularity of the HP, it would be hard to blame GRE for putting a competitive product out there.
One thing to remember about GRE is the extraordinary degree of access they've given the end user to the radio's internal programming. I could be wrong, but I don't think the 700 is the wave of the future. While Uniden tends to protect the radio and its information, GRE seems to trust the end user and has worked hard to make a lot of options available. With the 500/600 they tried hard to accommodate both novice and advance users. If they unveil something new, I tend to think it'll involve the best of both worlds. If nothing else, being able to load an SD card up with memories is definitely a tasty idea.
Hard to know about P25 phase II. I think that phase II systems can be more proprietary. Ditto for MotoTRBO, NEXDEN, IDAS, etc...but I keep my fingers crossed.
73/Allen (N4JRI)
I agree with this 100%. My GRE scanners are so fine tuned that I feel like they are almost as good as my high-end Motorola digital stuff...better in that they can scan so much more at one time. Even my WX alert works while scanning with the custom setting of 9.9 seconds and smallest window "hole punch" for detection. The scanners are darn good! Yes, I needed a FM broadcast filter to use VHF Hi band on a good antenna, but all else really works well.
If they do make an HP type scanner, I hope they do it better than Uniden. And I would wish it had the GPS tracking ability, as well, but somehow think a patent might be in the way of that function.
And I would really want more than a "dummy" scanner, like the HP. I would want a 500/600 with the addition of the HP type features, so you can do more with it than just use the RR database. Oh...and while you're at it, throw in MotoTrbo, D-STAR, and whatever else is out there that could be added.
I have to say, GRE really is making good stuff. And I never feel cheated, or duped into buying another scanner. They do it right, and I make the most of their scanners. Don is very good at what he does! If I didn't say it before, I'll say it now...THANK YOU, Don!
