I purchased this scanner to replace a 10 year old Uniden 396t that did not support Phase 2. Initial testing setup of the scanner was very easy using the included database and selection of systems by zip code. The unit preforms well in both digital and aircraft (AM) and VHF low (33Mhz) bands - that's all I've tested so far. The included programming software allows for advanced setup and updating of the frequency databases from RadioReference. There is no fee for this :) Battery life is very good. With activity every minute or so, the unit operates for 9.25 hours on a set of 1900mah NiMH batteries. (Note: the radio only charges when turned off - I confirmed this with a current meter. when charging, the current is 120ma). The face and screen will scratch easily, so I left the included shipping screen protector in pace for now...
Although the included software takes some effort to navigate the workflow, it does work quite well. This scanner uses an "object" metaphor for representing the frequencies. Don't think of scanner channels, but rather having a collection of things (objects) you want to listen to... Make that paradigm shift and you are on your way to navigating the software and hours of scanning enjoyment.
