Any late-model radio sold in the U.S. is going to have the cell-phone frequencies blocked.
The one I saw on sale at Rat Shack for $99 will receive 136-174 MHz only.
Also, the frequency scan function is not the same as newer scanners. With the HT, you more than likely have just 1 bank of 30 frequencies, while with the newer "trunking" scanners you can have multiple separate banks of 20-30 frequencies each in at least VHF low & high bands, plus UHF. You could have one bank programmed for your local public safety trunking system, a second bank for strictly untrunked state frequencies, a third for an assortment of tow-tuck and taxi drivers, etc.
I would not buy a ham radio unless you have a license, which is something I'm working on myself right now. It has gotten a lot easier in the last several years,