Scanner advice/recommendations sought

I'm interested in purchasing a scanner with the greatest frequency coverage

range possible and offering the widest selection of reception modes.

I would like to be able to monitor police, fire, air traffic, government
and 
other services. There are so many different makes and models it's hard to 
know which are the best choices.

Price is not really an issue (although *very* expensive models are outside

my budget).

Will someone please offer me some advice or recommendations?

TIA

Samantha