Rushfan,
When considering a scanner there are two basic considerations.
- What are my current needs, or what do I want to monitor right now?
- What are my future needs, or what will I be monitoring in the near future? (Next 6 mos to a few years out)
In general in my circles of scanner hobbyist most persons will want to expand their horizons in this hobby.
If your just interested in motoring you local town and perhaps a few surrounding towns a simple scanner with out the "bells and whistles" might "float your boat" or be to your satisfaction. However if you get "bit" by this "scanner hobby bug" as most do, you then will indeed want to expand and monitor all you can.
Also with the re-banding and re farming of frequencies, the advent of agencies going digital and the FCC requirement of agencies going to Narrow Band FM over the next few years. You might want to consider purchasing a scanner with these abilities. It may cost you more, and you may have to wait to save up the $, but at least you will have a radio to grow into.
So do your home work and research carefully. Read up on the various scanner specs. Throw out your questions in the various forums here at RR. The people here will be glad to guide you.
In the end the final choice is up to you. Good luck in your endeavors of finding that "perfect" scanner!