I was going to return this because I found a good deal on the version II but after receiving it and trying it out, I decided it was too good to let go. I'll probably be gifting this to a friend whom I'm trying to get into ham radio and I hope they'll enjoy it as much as I have in the short time I've had it.
The radio is sensitive enough to pick up distant/weak stations surprisingly clearly even indoors and is powerful enough to provide a solid transmission through my nearest IRLP linked repeater, 17mi away, with consistently positive signal reports, again transmitting from indoors.
The Bluetooth feature is particularly useful and convenient. It allows users to take advantage of better microphones and speakers/headphones than are onboard the radio and enhances the overall experience. I've also made good use of the Bluetooth PTT button, especially while driving.
As with most radios of this type the CPS is not the most straightforward but I've seen worse. It's reasonably well put together and you can figure out most of what everything does intuitively but there are areas where getting guidance from someone who knows what they're doing would help. This is the only area that detracts from the use of the radio.
Thanks BCS for the great radio!