I've been running my Yaesu FT-7800 for over five years. The dual-band 2m/70cm is great and meets all of my local repeaters needs. I have yet to try any packet radio, though it advertises a data port for connecting a TNC. The buttons are few, multi-functional, and somewhat non-intuitive, so I had to refer to the manual often for programming. I use the multiple memory banks often while traveling, but have yet to realize the full potential of the "hyper" memories.
The handiest feature by far is the detachable face plate. It uses a standard 6-wire phone connector so I have been able to make my own extension cables. I currently have the base section in a closet and I'm running the remote unit via standard CAT6 cable to another room. The only catch is that audio is still on the base unit, so I had to be creative to get that audio to the other room. Fortunately I have a "server" PC in the closet that can feed the audio over the network. This gives me the advantage of out-of-sight UPS and antenna connections with the ability to control the radio from any room with a CAT6 drop (effectively my whole house)
The handiest feature by far is the detachable face plate. It uses a standard 6-wire phone connector so I have been able to make my own extension cables. I currently have the base section in a closet and I'm running the remote unit via standard CAT6 cable to another room. The only catch is that audio is still on the base unit, so I had to be creative to get that audio to the other room. Fortunately I have a "server" PC in the closet that can feed the audio over the network. This gives me the advantage of out-of-sight UPS and antenna connections with the ability to control the radio from any room with a CAT6 drop (effectively my whole house)
