I picked up a Cobra handheld 3-4 years ago, but I didn't pay anywhere near their MSRP of $110. I think I got it at Wal Mart for about $40.John wrote:4. New Portable CB... Mine is old and worn out.
For vehicle use, it really needs an external antenna, or you're limited to about 1-2 miles on reception, or 1/2 mile on xmit. It stays in our van; I really need to pick up a magnetic-base loaded coil antenna, and stash that under the back seat.
We have some FRS handhelds, too. To avoid charging problems, I picked some that use AAA batteries, but they came with rechargeable batteries and a recharging base. The FRS are better for communicating amongst your party, but CB is better for reaching the world at large. Well, the world within 4 miles. ;)
I'm not a ham, but I do have my RadioSlack DX-398, which receives USB/LSB from 1.711-29.999 MHz, plus FM, MW, and LW. Playing with SW is fun, even if Bro. Stair and the late Gene Scott are the most consistently receivable programs. ;)
Kevin