Yaesu FT-817 Simple Questions

[kmc127]

Hi All -

Thinking about a Yaesu FT-817 for my first radio. I was also looking at the handheld VX8DR. While the FT-817 has a lot that I can grow into (just a tech now) I was curious about the APRS on the vx8dr. The texting part seems cool (Can you just input a call sign and send a text like a phone?) and you can watch people move around on their website... but other than that is it really used that often? Or is it just a cool feature for the first month and then i would be wishing I had the extra bands ;-) Let me know your thoughts and thanks for the help!

Kyle

[M6PAP]

100% FT-817 low power but had good results in 5 months I've had mine!!