I can do one better. Check out www.popularwireless.com . They have a message board system like this one but it is called a Bulletin Board system and the link for it is in the middle of the main page.

I can help answer your questions though.

1) Theoretically, yes, GMRS can potentially offer more transmitting range when compared to an FRS radio. There are several reasons why this is the case and yet, not the case.

A)Both FRS and GMRS radios utilize UHF frequencies which operate most efficiently when they are in "line of sight" with one another. If there are any obstructions such as trees, buildings, hills, mountains, inside a car, etc... then the range is greatly decreased.The amount of power does not greatly increase range if there still are many obstructions between the two radios since they operate on UHF frequencies.

B)Most "bubble pack" (which refers to the packaging of the radio) radios also come standard with non-detachable "rubber duck" antennas. These antennas do not fully utilize the actual power output of the radio. So a radio might generate 2 watts internally but once it gets pushed through the antenna it might only be actually 1 watt. This is usually referred to as "ERP=Effective Radiated Power".

If a more efficient antenna is utilized and you are a decent elevation with little to no obstructions then you can probably count on getting the "5 or 7 miles" that they advertise on the package. In most cases the GMRS radios which are sold right next to the FRS radios in Kmart, Walmart and some mail order companies will not give you much, if any, greater range than the FRS radios right next to them. What they will give you is a few more channels to use. Speaking of which, both FRS and GMRS radios utilize the same frequencies on Channels 1 through 7, so the two different types can be used interchangeably on those channels only.

2) The FCC license for GMRS radio usage goes for $75 for 5 years but covers everyone in your immediate family. So, if your wife, son, daughter, dad, etc... were to get one then they don't need a license as they are covered under yours.

There are many good radios out there to choose from. If you are looking for a rugged, durable unit that offers some excellent features then the Motorola T6400 usually gets my vote. It does have a rubber duck antenna though as well as only a 1 watt rating on the GMRS channels so don't expect that much of an increase in effective transmitting range but if it means anything to you then this is the unit I will be carrying come this Saturday.

Others to consider if price is an issue would be the Midland G series, some of the other newer Motorola models, and another personal favorite, the Unwired GMRS 3000. It is a 3 watt unit with a detachable antenna and it is repeater capable, which can drastically extend the range.
http://www.laral.com/unwired/multi_frames.html



Finally, if you want really quality equipment...more along the lines of commerical grade stuff with metal housings, great features, programmable and yet still relatively compact then I would suggest the Pryme PR-460. It is definitely on the more expensive side with an average cost of around $180 per unit but they are definitely worth it in my opinion.

Hope this helps you folks with questions. If you need anything else then fire away.