>> ... What things should I also get at the same time while purchasing that many would think is essential to have?
No one can intelligently answer you - because we have no idea what you intend to do with your new radio, nor do we know what is happening in your region as far as repeaters.
I mean, right out of the box I can hit scores of repeaters with the FT-60R and its stock accessories. But that is because I live in a valley in Southern California, surrounded by mountaintop repeater systems.
But if it is more of a "stretch" for you to hit some distant repeaters, an antenna improvement may be in order.
Camp a lot? Or go on trips where AC might not be available? Then the FBA-25 AA alkaline case will come in handy. You can populate it with AA alkalines (or NiMH) and have full TX power (if you really need it).
If you travel a lot, the programming software package makes programming the radio painless. You upload your local set of memories now, and then program a "travel set" for a trip. Then just re-upload the local stuff when you return.
I have digested the 84-page users manual for you to one page - find my "cheat sheet" on the DOCS page at ...
http://www.k6lcs.comDon't forget to add "Work the FM Ham Satellites" to your list of things to do with your new radio! Complete details on that are at ...
http://www.work-sat.comJoin a local club! Go to
http://www.arrl.org and click on CLUBS. Then enter your Zip Code, and see what is nearby. There you will quickly
learn what is happening in your area. AND probably run into other FT-60R owners, too!
Clint K6LCS
909-241-7666