If I buy the new Kenwood digital HT (with the built in TNC and GPS capability, it's on the cover of QST this month), it has SkyCommand II and can not only use the crossband repeat, it gives full remote control of the HF side of the radio via a handheld. They make a mobile rig that has SkyCommand too.
But, I'm not sure I'd use it enough to make it worth the money... for the same cost, I could get a Yaesu FT-817ND, which I've been yearning for... though I'm not sure why.
And I already have a 12 year old Alinco DJ-G5TH handie that works great (and handles the GMRS/FRS freqs too).
If I really get ambitious, figuring out a mobile satellite antenna setup (or at least portable that can be set up on site) with azimuth / elevation rotors would be fun too, the TS-2000 is not a half bad satellite rig.
My next purchase may be the controller to have the Kenwood directly control the screwdriver, for optimal tuning.
I have a Dell Latitude D630 laptop with Signal Link USB to interface a computer to the radio as well, and the space to use it. My M1010 had been a search and rescue mobile command post right after it left military service, so it has a nice little table along the driver's side wall, and no bench / stretcher carrier on that side. I have a 12V power supply for the laptop, so I can use it without having to run a generator... for a while anyway.
I also have a Radio Shack Pro-2006 400 channel 25mhz-1.3ghz scanner for monitoring outside the amateur bands, just need to find a good mobile antenna for it. And a Cobra 40 channel CB, because sometimes CB comes in handy (CB is going in the cab though.)
The rear battery tray has a pair of Optima red tops in it for 24V, the front battery tray will have a pair of Optima deep cycle blue tops mounted for running accessories in the back (including the radios, laptop, and an Engel freezer/fridge). I already have a battery isolation relay and cables, just need to get the blue tops.
