Cheap amateur radio transceivers. any ideas?

Alinco, Yaesu and Wouxun all make inexpensive handheld VHF transceivers that are available through Ham Radio Outlet http://www.hamradio.com/ and other stores. You can probably find used HTs on eBay for under $100. All will let you talk on your local repeaters. If you want to get on HF,you will have to spend a little more, but for a couple hundred dollars, you can probably find an used HF rig on eBay. Check out eHam.com to see whether the rig is any good before buying it.