How hard is it, with a handheld radio and handheld beam antenna, to use the satellites? Initially, it can be tough. Working on hearing the satellites should be the first goal, before ever thinking of touching the PTT button. Once you can hear the satellite, listen to some passes to get familiar with the Doppler effect on the downlink frequencies and pointing the antenna. Then try transmitting.
The FM satellites are cross-band repeaters, except these have really good receivers and weak (250 to 500mW, usually) transmitters. I've been at it with these satellites for 15 months, and my satellite log has just over 2100 contacts in that time. Challenging, yes, but still fun.
Good luck!
Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK
http://www.wd9ewk.net/