Can someone give me some information on scanners? (NOT image, I'm talking radio)?

[Vitus]

I've been considering buying one for some time now and am just coming into the money for a decent one.

Does anyone have any suggestions as far as brands or what I should be looking for? A price I should expect to pay? Online or in-store purchase?

I would like to listen to the local PD and/or FD. Possibly even the airport air traffic. What other interesting things could I possibly pick up with one of these?

I know nothing about them so any help would be appreciated. Especially appreciated if someone can cover all the above questions.

 

[GibsonEssGee]

Radio Shack do an economical one. http://www.radioshack.com/pwr/product-reviews/Phones-Radio-Communications/Scanners/RadioShack/p/2036238-PRO-96-Digital-Trunking-Handheld-Scanner.html

 

[GibsonEssGee]

Radio Shack do an economical one. http://www.radioshack.com/pwr/product-reviews/Phones-Radio-Communications/Scanners/RadioShack/p/2036238-PRO-96-Digital-Trunking-Handheld-Scanner.html