I would have recommended the 536HP or 436HP over the HP1 because I think the P25 decode is better on the x36HPs. However, the learning curve on the x36HPs is much higher. But now with the HP-2, I find the P25 decode is probably equal to my x36HPs here in Los Angeles, and the audio sounds better. Throw in the color display of the HP2, which neither of the x36HPs have, and then the availability of the "analyze" features for another $50, and its a pretty good deal.
For a first time scanner, you probably can't go too wrong with the HP-2. Don't know how far you are from Ham Station, but I see you are in Indiana. You might want to try one out and see how it works on your particular systems. Especially if you are going to use this in a car, the HP-2 might be a good choice. The only scanners I would recommend now a days are the 436HP, 536HP, HP2, and the Whistler 1080. They all have P25 phase 2 capability, and they all use allow use of a built-in database for all of the USA and Canada. Even though you probably won't want to use the whole database for your region, having that ability is really (really) useful. All the other scanners in my list below other than those mentioned are older. Most are great scanners, but the technology changes. JohnnyDollar (another RRDB member) has several YouTube videos of a P2 system in Chicago with his WS-1080.
I would stay away from any scanner that does not have phase II capability if you're thinking long-term use.
Steve AA6IO
