Basically this is the next best thing in small handheld transceiver evolution. 3 bands in one compact radio. If you can work with the UV5R series this will be easy to operate for you - it just adds the 1.25 meter band which you can access with the added band button on the lower right of the speaker grille. I just wish this had more power, say 10 watts. If it had more power to transmit, you would have the perfect set up for beginning hams.**ADDENDUM to my original rating -This radio is the best of the UV5 series that I have used. It works on three bands, and with the dual display, using the band selection button you can have access to three dual frequency displays - that is six frequencies total by pressing the band key and the A/B button. This radio comes with a small battery, but it will accept all the accessories that any UV 5 type radio can use. This makes this radio the most versatile iteration of the UV 5 series. I do not have a mobile radio in my vehicle, but with this one I am able to use repeaters on all three bands when I am away from home, as well as the standard FM broadcast and the NOAA Weather Radio stations - this makes for a very useful radio and a great addition to your go kit or your arsenal of handheld UHF/VHF/FM transceivers.I currently have two UV 5V2+ HTs and this one, plus several antennas and battery modules, headsets, shoulder PTT mics, and of course the battery chargers required. If you need a handheld that is function rich, and based on a proven platform, you should look at the UV 5x3.