Base vs. Handheld

[HoDo]

I am a newbie so excuse the dumb question, but I purchased a 396T last week and I love it. Now can someone explain the benefit if on 9/30 Uniden comes out with a base unit what is different? Do you get better reception? I would assume all the features would be the same? So what is the benefit to have a handheld then buy the base unit model?

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

I would assume all the features would be the same?

To quote what Paul said here:

Unnofficial commentary: I will not make a "clone" of the current models and call them base/mobile units. If we were to make new mobile radios (and reread the Official Response, please), they would incorporate more functionality, features, and things you've said you want than any model we currently have. Otherwise, what's the point of having a new model?

 

[MacombMonitor]

I am a newbie so excuse the dumb question, but I purchased a 396T last week and I love it. Now can someone explain the benefit if on 9/30 Uniden comes out with a base unit what is different? Do you get better reception? I would assume all the features would be the same? So what is the benefit to have a handheld then buy the base unit model?

If nothing else, typically you would get a larger display, a larger speaker with better audio. Larger controls, and buttons, making it easier to program, and use. This has been the case with Uniden, although Radio Shack's GRE scanners don't follow this. They usually make more of a mobile sized unit using the same displays, and controls.

 

[ex8010]

base v. handheld

I've always felt that I get better reception with a base than a handheld even when using the same external antenna

 

[DPD1]

Often base/mobile models are made to handle external antennas better. Sometimes handheld models can be too sensitive for external antennas, and you get lots of blending and intermod. That's not always the case, but sometimes.

Dave
-DPD Productions - Custom Scanner, MURS, & Ham Antennas-
http://eje.railfan.net/dpdp/