[Scan-DC] PRO-96 being discontinued

[Steve Thompson]

I was in a Radio Shack today and noticed that the Pro-96 was marked as a 
clearance item and on sale for $379.

First thought...That's a great price on a great radio.

Second thought...Will I still be able to get parts?  I ordered a 
replacement rear case panel and two battery compartment covers on the 
spot.  Those are Parts No. 12410809 ($17.69) and 12410833 ($3.69) 
respectively.  Why?  Well, if you've ever dropped one of these radios hard, 
you know that the weight of the batteries inside punches back against the 
battery compartment door and snaps the little plastic tab that holds the 
door on.  Do it a couple of times and you'll eventually break the even 
smaller tabs on the case panel that hold the other end of the door 
on.  Solution:  Don't drop the radio.  More realistic solution:  Keep a few 
spare parts on hand.  You'll eventually need them.

Third thought...What will replace the Pro-96?  Checking radioshack.com, I 
find the Pro-106, which at quick glance seems to have every capability the 
-96 has plus mil-air.  I want to go over the specs more closely, but that 
looks like the big difference.

Fourth...That new Pro-106 is available right now on-line for $400, although 
the price seems likely to rise.  So why buy the -96 as a discontinued item 
for $379?

Steve, N4TX