It's an ICOM so it comes down to what you prefer. I'd suggest getting the manual and looking it over. Follow some of the steps and see which makes more sense to you and is easier to understand.
Biggest differences (to me):
100W vs 150W (710)
99 vs 160 memory channels (710)
user adjustable receiver features (718)
multiple scanning modes (710)
100% duty cycle (710) - not specified on the 718
IC-M710 - Marine SSB Radio
Icom's next generation commercial grade SSB. Click on the small image to get a large picture of the IC-M710.
Specifications:
The latest in Icom SSB technology and construction
150 watts of power, 100% duty cycle
All modes, including RTTY
E-mail ready for SeaWave. Optional filter required for Globe Wireless.
Monitor all 976 ITU voice and data channels, HAM bands and aircraft Wx
1136 channels
Transmit:
1.6 MHz - 27.5 MHz marine channels and all HF HAM bands*
160 user programmable memory channels, each identified by either alpha characters, channel number or frequency
2182 kHz alarm (optional)
Multiple scanning modes
Rugged metal chassis
Direct keypad entry
Large backlit alphanumeric LCD display with selectable lighting levels
Large tactile knobs
Automatic antenna tuner (option AT-130)
Very affordable! About half the price of other SSB's
2 year warranty
ICOM M718
Features - Multi Function Meter
- Keypad Input
- CW Keyer
- Front Firing Speaker
- Microphone Compressor
- Optional UT-102 Voice Synthesizer
- 10 Hz Readout
- 1 Hz Tuning
- Lock
The
Icom IC-718 covers 160-10 meters. This radio is very easy to operate with one touch band switching, direct frequency input via keypad and auto tuning steps (senses the rate at which the tuning knob is turned). The receiver section features
IF Shift,
Adjustable Noise Blanker,
RIT and formerly optional
UT-106 DSP Automatic Notch/Noise Reduction. These
big rig features give you the necessary tools to fight
interference. You get 99 regular memories and 2 scan edge memories. You can scan memories or scan between two specific frequencies. The transmit section features up to 100 watts of RF output and
AF speech compression to increase average audio output. A Morse keyer is built-in. The meter shows output
power, ALC and VSWR. The layout and basic operation of this rig is simple, but through a menu system you can adjust many operational parameters such as: peak-hold on the meter, mode lock out, RF/SQL knob behavior, key type, etc. The
TS function allows you to vary the tuning increment to your liking. The easy-to-read,
large LCD and front firing speaker make this rig ideal for either mobile or base installations. The has
rear panel a standard SO-239
antenna jack.
The IC-718 requires 12 VDC at 20 amps. The IC-718 comes with the HM-36 hand mic and OPC-025A DC power cable. Size: 9.67 x 3.8 x 9.5 inches 8 Lbs 6 oz. (240x95x239mm 3.8 kg). See July 2000
QST for a review of this radio. The IC-718 is a great value, providing
reliability and DSP at a 'used rig'
price. This transceiver will conveniently drive either the fully automatic
AH-4 or
AT-180 optional antenna tuners. Optional filters require soldering.