Regarding digital vs. analog: if you're interested solely in Horry County public safety, and you're thinking short-term as far as your scanner purchase (say, to get your feet wet in the hobby), then an analog scanner will be sufficient. If you're interested in City of Georgetown PD, or tac channels for Midway and MIGC FDs, or Williamsburg Co, or Charleston Co, or some state agencies, or you're thinking about a long-term purchase, then a digital scanner is the way to go. More and more agencies will be moving to digital communications - most that can be monitored, some that can't be monitored - in the coming years.
Personally, I'm a GRE/Radio Shack scanner fan. So, if you're content with an analog scanner, a PRO-164 would be a good choice for you. If you're looking digital, a PRO-106/PSR-500 is your best bet. Others can offer suggestions for radios made by Uniden. Now is a good time to find some radios on sale, particularly at Radio Shack.
In addition to the radio, you'll want to invest in some additional items: a programming cable, programming software, the RadioShack 800MHz rubber duck antenna, a good set of NiMH batteries and an external battery charger.
Hope that helps.