[Kenwood] TS-2000 and D710E Relation

[Danny]

Hi guys,

I am TOTALLY new to hamradio but I have always been very interested.

Before I purchase any rigs, I have a few questions answered please. Please keep
in mind that I am only starting out now, still need to do all the exams etc.
Maybe many of the questions have been raised already and maybe one or two
of the questions may be "dumb" questions, but I HAVE to know what I am buying
before I spend a LOT of money.

I know that with more features reliability suffers. If I need to
rather get two or 3 dedicated rigs instead of one feature packed rig, then so be
it.

I go on a lot of expeditions in Africa, normally 3 or more vehicles and this
would be the first time I will have a rig in any of my vehicles. 

I am very interested in the TS-2000, and here comes my first few questions
regarding the TS-2000:

1: As I understand, the TS-2000 is HF/VHF/UHF capable. Will the HF part allow me
to do the same, or in part at least, as a dedicated HF rig like the TS-480HX or
TS-480SAT?

2: What is the difference between the TS-480HX and the TS-480SAT? Please explain
in laymen's terms. Is it correct to ask which one is better or has the better
features?

3: I have read a lot about Kenwood, Icom and Yaesu products. With which product
from the other two manafacturers does the TS-2000 and TS-480 compete with?

4: Is the only difference between the TS-2000X and TS-2000E the satellite
feature of the TS-2000X?

5: Apart from being able to remotely control the TS-2000, is there any other
reason I would want an RC-2000?

6: Is the TM-D710E still suffering from TNC and righthand-side speaker problems?

7: Apart from communicating with each other on VHF/UHF, is their any other
reason why I would want a TM-D710 and a TS-2000?

8: Would it be wise to have a TM-D710 in all the vehicles and in the lead
vehicle have a TS-2000 fitted with a TM-D710 so that I would have VHF/UHF and HF
available?

9: Can I use the TS-2000 for trunking? This question is just for interest sake.

10: The TM-D710 is APRS enabled, is the TS-2000 also APRS enabled?

That would be all for now. I know these are many questions, but I know I will
get properly explained answers from you guys.

Thank You

Danny