I may go with the Icom A5 and save a $100,
as in my experience, the nav feature on the IC-A22 has limited range
and usefulness, (at least with the supplied antenna).

I've been considering buying a handheld radio. A couple of weeks
ago in absolutely perfect weather, the radios in the FBO's plane
were being intermittant. Although no emergency, it helped me
decide I want a radio especially since I've started my IFR
training.

After some research, it was a toss up between the Vertex
with a few more gizmos and NiCd cells or the ICOM A5
with NiMH cells. Both were withing $30 or so from
various places since ICOM was offering a few
headset adapter for the A5 that was included with the Vertex.
Well I found LC Flight (www.lcflight.com) had the same
price as most other discount shops and was offering
a FREE alkaline battery pack for the A5. It came to $280
with the headset adapter from ICOM and the alkaline battery
case from LCFlight + 6 S/H. I haven't gotten it yet but it
will probably get here on Monday.

I ordered from them once before and they were quite on
par with Sportys. I ended up dealing with them more than
I wanted to as the DC 10-60's they sent to me had a very
short cable between the two ear cups so they couldn't
be extended far enough. I ended up sending it back for a refund
minus the shipping and was minimal hassle.

(and no, I do not have any affiliation with them).

Gerald