RadioReference.com Forums

I am looking for a base scanner that will do my county's new 700 P25 Phase 2 system this year and got some Christmas money to spend. I have been a Radio Shack / Whistler man for most of my scanners. I would be new to the Uniden club, and have a couple questions for you guys here.

1. Do I need a special cable to connect this scanner to my Windows 7 computer?
2. Is there free software included, and if not- what is the best out there? ( I am use to WIN 500 software)
3. How hard is this one to program by hand?
4. Is it worth spending the extra for the 536?

Thanks in advance, and Merry Christmas!