Looking for advice going back to Amiga.

[drewz21]

Hello all.  I've been reading the boards for a while here but just registered as I'm ready to take the plunge back to the Amiga.  I've also subscribed to Total Amiga on the AmigaKit website.

I've got about $500-$700US to spend getting back into Amiga computing and I have several questions I would like help with.  I've looked at Softhut and AmigaKit websites as well as on Ebay.

What would you buy coming back in today with the budget listed above?  A new 1200 or a new 1200 tower system?  A used 1200?  Is there any benefit to getting a 4000?  Will I be ok without an accelerator right now?  Which accelerator should I get?  680xx or a PPC and which brand?  Can I use some/most/any of my old Amiga software that I've had for years in storage, along with an A500 and an A2000, on the new systems?

And any other advice/suggestions you can give.

Thank you for your time and information.

[drewz21]

Thanks for all the info.  Can you recommend some good vendors to buy new/almost new from from personal experiences or just word-of-mouth comments?

I'm stil kinda torn between the classic case the the tower I've seen on Softhut too.  Decisions, decisions.

Oh and what makes the web-surfing experience so bad on an Amiga?  And is it just limited to the older machines?

[drewz21]

Do you think this person's Amiga items would be a good start for me?  He posted this in the Selling Forum.

"I am selling off ALL my Amiga stuff (not on eBay yet), and thought I would mention it on here before I do in case someone is interested. I can't remember everything off the top of my head, but will add to this when I get home.

1 x Amiga 1200 (NOS) - Perfect Condition
Accelerator Board w/ 8MB Ram
Mouse
Joystick
Power Pack
Disks with OS
OS installed on HDD

1 x Amiga 1200 - Good Condition
Mouse
Joystick
Power Pack
Disks with OS
OS installed on HDD

1 x Amiga 500 - Good Condition
Mouse
Extra external FDD
CD-Rom Unit
External Accelerator
Disks with OS

1 x 1084S Monitor - Good Condition
5 x boxes of software - literally 1,0000 Disks!"

I've chatted with him some via e-mail.  Just looking for feedback from the community.  Also what do you think would be a good deal for all of this?

Thanks again.

[drewz21]

Really?  Is Amiga Forever that good?  If so I'll buy it.  I've never really used emulators other than MAME but if it's that good I'll quit worrying so much about being compatible with my old stuff and just buy me a nice AMIGA for everyday use and use Amiga Forever to play my old games.  I've got several PC's at home already.

How do I get the disks onto my PC then to play the games?

Thank you again.

[drewz21]

Wow!  Thanks for the quick response.  I've built a few configurations today on your US AmigaKit website for the 1200 and based on your response just now I will be ordering my system from you.  I'll also get Amiga Forever from you when I place my order.  I've already used your website to subscribe to the Amiga magazine you offer.

I'm not sure if I can purchase the Catweasel card just yet as the 1200 will take up my budget to begin with.

As another poster said earlier companies like you will help Amiga to not only live but hopefully thrive.

Thank you very much.
Drew

[drewz21]

@koaftder

I respect that everyone has and is entitled to an opinion about a particular topic.  However, I really would like the Amiga to be successful again.  I don't see any reason why the Amiga cannot co-exist with MS, Apple, Linux, etc...

If you don't appreciate the Amiga please sell the one you have to someone that will and then you can be happy with whatever computer platform you are using.

I've got several MS PC's and have been using them for years but none of them are as "fun" to me as my Amiga memories.  I would like to return to Amiga and see what it has to offer me.  I could be wrong about my idea that I will have fun with it but that's for me to determine.

Again, I thank all of those that have posted such useful information in helping me with my purchasing decision.