996, 396, GPS....rookie questions

[tnf]

I am definately going to get either a 996 or a 396. I was wondering what the major differences were between them? I have tried to do some research and have only concluded that the 396 is handheld and can decode FD tones (QCII?) . I am looking to first use this radio on a road trip from new york to texas, and since some of the states in between and Texas have gone to apco-25, I decided to go the uniden route becasue of the remote mount capability. Is one better than the other?

Also, I have read multiple places about the GPS capability of both these radios...what exactly does the GPS antenna paired with the scanner do? Again, fairly new to scanning, sorry for the retarded questions! Thanks! -nick

 

[UPMan]

http://www.radioreference.com/forums/showthread.php?t=61717&highlight=396+996

 

[SCPD]

The GPS feature for the 996 is great, and mainly designed for mobile travel use. Basically you set up your system files ( like banks sort of ) or trunk sites with a GPS reference and a receive radius. When you travel in this radius, the scanner locks the system in and you can receive it. Once you drive or travel out of this range, it locks it out again automatically. This is especially great for large linked trunking systems, or travelling in general. NO need to fiddle around when driving locking banks in and out because you get out of range of some channels.
A great mobile feature, if not the best if you ask me.

 

[yaesumofo]

Personally At least for me I feel like the HT has the best overall utility.
If you want this radio strictly for the road trip then get the 996. If you want to be able to leave the car and continue to monitor the world on the hoof then you need the 396.
Both are great radios absolutely the most sophisticated scanners available today. they are extremely high tech hunks of plastic metal silicon and glass.
Don't forget to get an extremely high quality antenna and install it properly for mobile operations...THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT. it can really make the difference between a good experience and a great experience. The same is true for the HT as well. get a couple of great antennas including a maldol or Watson telescopic antenna. you will do great with one of these.
Another accessory needed for the ht is a few sets of 2700 or 2900 mAh batteries..
Don't forget some BUTEL software for ease of programming all of the systems ou will want to monitor on the trip. You will have to do quite a bit of work to manage this .
Use care so that you don't completely fill the memory. leave a little space so you can put stuff you find along the way in the radio for the trip back.
Just have fun .
BTW when in doubt buy both. the bottom line is that these radios complement each other very nicly.
Yaesumofo