Tyme, QRP is not entry level. It's actually more difficult to work with than high power because your stuff has to be *right* in order to make contacts and be heard.
I have the 817nd. Why I called it an "819" in my earlier post, I have no idea.
Great radio. I love the internal battery pack, which is something other QRP rigs lacked. My longest contact has been out to California with that radio and a 120ft wire dipole, ladder line, and a tuner kit I assembled.
Chris