Which would you choose and why?

[binrat]

PS: also EVERYONE here knows I am a YAESU Man....FTdx3000 is my primary rig.......Not a big fan of I Can Only Monitor radios
All the Best
Gary

And we don't hold that shortcoming against you.
Seriously, the radio brand debate is like the great Chevy / Dodge / Ford debate.
I would say, keep the radio modern, not overly complicated, not too fancy will give you enjoyment early with limited frustrations. There not being a Y.Y.Y (sorry can't say it ) man I would recommend to go for the FT-450. My first HF radio was a used IC-707 which was older basic radio which I have had many contacts with.
As for antennas, building an antenna that gets you many contacts is fulfilling. As stated, a dipole.

 

[ButtFuzz]

Speaking of Yazoo 450D... You can't beat this deal with a stick:

YAZOO-HOO!

Yes, you do have to send of for the mfg rebate... but still......

 

[tba02]

20 bucks cheaper - http://www.randl.com/shop/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=68271