Just received my Baofeng UV-5R+ Plus radio yesterday. It's a micro-sized dual band radio. Can transmit/receive on 136-174 mHz, 400-480 mHz, and receive only on 65-108 mHz. Weighs in at around 6.8 oz., construction seems really durable, and not at all flimsy or cheap. Included some pictures from the internets of the unit. Operation seems pretty straightforward, though for me without any previous HT experience, there will be a little learning curve to the ins and outs of 2m/70cm bands. Bought this radio from eBay (seller: nicheone) for under $50 shipped from China. So far, my I've been monitoring different public safety frequencies around my area (police, fire, etc), also gets NOAA weather stations, and the FM band could also be very handy in gathering more info in a shtf situation. Only had this for less than 24 hours, but am very happy with the quality construction and performance so far. For the price, you can really beat it and not worry about messing up a fancy, more expensive radio. Based on what I've seen and heard so far, would like to get at least one or two more of this radio, plus a couple extra batteries. Next month I am planning on taking my Technician Class amateur radio operator test to be able to transmit legally on the ham bands. Will update this thread with more information and testing results as I learn the radio and it's capabilities.
More in depth reviews of the radio here....
http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/10349The Plus version is the latest greatest of this radio. From previous versions, it updates the case material and firmware. Also the rest of the package and manual is better looking. Can see below what all comes with this version. Doesn't seem to be alot of difference in pricing from older versions and this one, so I'd suggest getting the Plus version.
Think this would be a fantastic budget choice for a BOB/EDC carry radio. The 1800 mAh batteries are under $20 and there is a extended battery 3800/4000 mAh also available for even longer run time.
Radio much smaller than I imagined it being (good thing), my rough measurements put it at 4.25" length without antenna, 2.25" width, and 1.1875" depth. With antenna, total length is around 8.5"
edit: Also has a built-in led flashlight. [URL=http://www.smileyvault.co