I picked up the FT-897 not D for under $800 on HRO with AT-897 tuner and 2 batteries. I had to pick and choose and it was hard to narrow it down but it was the 1 time in my life I could and the only time I would be able to afford it and I love my radio. The reason I picked it was that its a base/mobile and portable all in 1 and is a very small radio. You can even get an external CAT display with a digital version of an analog meter and its just such an easy to use fully feature packed radio. Just get or make the PC interface and easy to work the digital modes and cheat with CW! Some how I ended up with a barn find Uniden 2020 for trade on a $20 Alinco 2m HT I had picked up and that radio is also incredible but I love tubed radios the sound of the audio is irreplaceable!
Awesome! I hope that I'll get an opportunity to buy a radio in the near future, but right now it doesn't look too likely. Feeding the family is just more important than getting a radio. I'm working on my CW skills and might be able to pick up a CW only QRP rig that's both good and cheap, like the QCX kit from QRP-Labs.