You might also try Ham Radio Outlet "HRO" on I-17 and Dunlap (actually just east of I-17 on Dunlap, just past DeVry). They should be able to help you out a bit with the scanner and they also have the GRE PSR-500 to compare it with. Not to talk you away from Frys, but I am sure they wont be able to answer your questions or help you program it like HRO or another specialty place can.
Great points. I would personally rather go to HRO and risk a restocking fee. To begin with, even if you have a few reception cut-outs on the PPD system, there are antenna solutions for home use, and there are so many other cool digital things to monitor it is worth having either way, and cheaper (if you buy and keep) at HRO. On top of this, try to go during a weekday, and the "scanner guy" should be there. He has played with all the models, and can even throw in a working program for the valley for free. It isn't perfect, but pretty darn good, way better than what comes pre-loaded. You may want to call and make sure he is there before making the trip. It would be worth it.
Frys is a big box store and knows nothing about scanners, even though they do full refunds.
Note that the PSR-500 handles simulcast a bit better, and is more sensitive. The 396 is more immune to desense from strong nearby signals, or "front end overload". Both are great scanners and I don't want to push you either way, just throwing that info out there.
Be prepared for a learning curve EITHER WAY. Expect to spend the week after you buy one playing with the (free trial - three types) software and programming it your way, if you like to have things exactly your way. Be prepared to re-read the manual three or four times. Learning how to assign objects and use scanlists or quick keys will take some time, so be patient, it will be worth it. This is not something you turn on and fully understand in five minutes, and those that expect that get frustrated quickly. Personally I find it fun to learn the "in's and out's" of a new scanner. It is an interesting mental exercise that I enjoy.
The Radio Reference database is very good, and lists site locations. VERY useful for those trying to get the best reception out of this system. You can even try for free and then buy software that will allow you to download directly from this site for a small fee. There are experts here in the use of the Uniden BCD396T scanner, as well as people like myself who have spent many hours learning the PSR-500 scanner's features. My experience with the 396 was only a few months for comparison testing, so there are others in the uniden and Arizona forums who are more familiar especially with the new firmware updates. Either way there is plenty of help to be found here.