meg wrote: I don't think I'm in need of cross-band repeat (as in the 8800), might just confuse me more.
As far as I am concerned the biggest useful feature of the 8800 is the dual receive capability. You can monitor a VHF channel and a UHF channel at the same time to catch all the action. You can listen to 2 VHF or 2 UHF channels at the same time (useful for monitoring your favorite local frequency and a repeater or 2 repeaters if you are looking for someone). When I visit Perth I usually drive listening to the local frequency my friends in the suburbs use and one of the Perth repeaters.
If you transmit while monitoring 2 frequencies on the same band the receiver is blanked so you don't suffer de-sensing or feedback.
I suppose price comes into it. The 7800 is cheaper but to me, the extra is well worth it.
I have never used the cross band repeater either but should I ever find a requirement for it at least its there.
I am sure you would enjoy using either the 7800 or the 8800. Don't just think of it as only having the cross band repeater as the only extra. You would use the dual receive capability and no doubt find it useful.