Looking for a tough scanner

[04stx]

I have a RadioShack Pro 164 that I plan on giving to my girlfriend so she can hear me at work. I would love to buy a Motorola radio for myself, but I don't have that kind of money. We are going to switch to digital sometime in the next year or two so I want a digital scanner. We use Motorola Type II Smartnet right now. What's the best scanner that is tough and more law enforcement like? My RadioShack scanner almost feels like a toy to me now. My budget is at around $500 and I can't go past $550. Also, I want something that doesn't use the RadioReference database, no offense, but I want to do the programming myself and in my own way.

 

[fineshot1]

Sorry but i think you will be disappointed with the new scanner lines
of any of the manufactures. None of them make a scanner as rugged
and durable as the commercial radios.

 

[krokus]

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8530/5.0.0.973 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/105)

Define "tough" for your view?

I would suggest the GRE PSR-500 or the RS clone, with the programming cable, and programming software of your choice. Then keep it in a holster, to protect it.