Along with all the reasons previously mentioned, one other one has merit:
A number of states have laws that restrict or prohibit the use of mobile or 
handheld scanners... not a good thing if you happen to be traveling out of 
your home state. As a rule, the laws exempt licensed amateur radio operators 
from these restrictions. Go ahead and take the exam... even if you decide to 
stay no-code, there isn't a place in the country where you can't hit a 
2-meter repeater or work packet from your car with a laptop.
Hope this helps you make a decision.
                                            73 and good scanning!
                                            Frank   KI7SY
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