I do not recommend the purchase any non digital (analog)
scanner at all.
You can future proof yourself by going to a digital scanner
Bear in mind Bay County has installed a digital radio tower and all county fire departments have switched to
digital. Police will follow by May-June timeframe. News Story.
Gratiot county, Tuscola county, Saginaw county and city already use digital radios. Lapeer will be as well.
This only leaves in the area; Arenac, Isabella, Gladwin and Midland counties 'currently'on analog.
Try these:
Choosing & Comparing: http://www.policescanners.net/
New to scanning? http://radio-scanner-guide.com/
Trunking radio 101 http://webpages.charter.net/radiosite/ButIjustwanttolistentothePolice.pdf
TrunkTracking FAQ's
http://www.bensware.com/scandfw/tttipsfaqs.htm
Understanding Squelch http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squelch
Easier to read scanner manuals
http://marksscanners.com/index.shtml