I like the way your wife thinks. May all of our wives develop the same attitude. The Alinco is a bargain, but is a basic rig with no computer control and limited noise reduction/dsp filtering. It has limited filter options. The filter in SSB is 2.4khz, but the narrow is 1.0khz. That's really narrow for voice. I almost never go tighter than 1.6khz. It would be ok for digital modes like PSK31. but I would like even narrower for that. Otherwise, I think it's a pretty good deal.
On the other hand, I would consider a Yaesu FT-857D. It is significantly more than the Alinco, but offers similar mounting options with the detachable face. It also has 6mtrs, 2mtrs,& 70cm all modes. I owned one of these in the past and the dsp is very useful and the filters are much more adjustable than the Alinco. Yaesu makes a matching mobile antenna, the ATAS 120. It's a screwdriver type antenna that mates up with the 857 and automatically tunes when you change bands. It's a small antenna that could be mounted just about anywhere. I know someone who uses one on a pickup truck and he swears it is the best mobile antenna he's ever owned. I was thinking this might be a good option on some boats. The reason I mention the 857 & ATAS, is there is one for sale on QTH.com right now that the owner claims is new, along with a new ATAS for $875. It's still more than the Alinco, but if you were considering a remote tuner and antenna, it could be cheaper and more features. There's another one listed today there for $600 - no ATS of course. You might get a couple hundred there for a broken TS-50 too.
