The unit has a programmable set of automatic settings (for instance, you can cause the range 88-108 MHz to default to WFM mode). Most settings can be programmed via the keypad, but a shareware program is available for DOS.
The radio has a 40-channel spectrum scope which may be applied to VFO A or to a memory channel bank. A realtime clock is built in for logging purposes. Memory channels may have an alphanumeric tag. A 20 dB attenuator may be applied to reduce cross modulation.
The unit includes a modest help feature to remind the user of the keystrokes to complete a task.
I've had good luck with the unit in the VHF and UHF bands up to 1 GHz; the unit gets a little deaf after that, and only a very strong signal gets through from the 1240 MHz amateur band. Commercial FM comes through strongly, commercial AM less so, but this and strong shortwave stations come in servicably. An external antenna is useful.