> how far will i be able to contact usuing simplex?
Somewhere between 25 and 75 miles in most cases.
Asking 'how far will my radio talk' is kinda like
asking 'how fast will my car go'. There are so many
variables there is no telling.
> I want to talk to sorrounding states will i be
> able to with this radio?
On its own simplex or through a single repeater,
probably not.
There are some great linked repeaters in the southwest,
however. (New Mexico has an awesome system of linked
repeaters.) With a linked repeater, you may be able to
talk into your neighboring states. Of course, there is
most certainly an IRLP, EchoLink or some other internet
linked repeater in your area so you should be able to
talk around the world with your radio.
If you haven't already visited this Arizona repeater
listing page...
http://www.azrepeaters.net/...you may want to. They have an excellent listing
of your area's repeaters.
Matt (k4mls)