Hello from Finland!

[pVC]

If you want to update the OS, I would stay with 3.1 unless you have accelerator in A600, which you probably don't have or get easily 3.5/9 are bit heavier and memory hungry compared to it.

Extra memory is needed if you want to do anything more "serious". There's new 8M expansion around, which sounds to work well. http://lvd.nedopc.com/Projects/a600_8mb_2/index.html

For exapmle for networking 1 or 2 MB is bit too limited. You can do basic filesharing etc, but most GUI based softwares would need more memory.

PCMCIA network cards are cheap and easy way to get it connected. Wireless cards need 3.1, but cards with wires will work even on standard non expanded a600.

Prices were low about 5-8 years ago, but then they've insanely gone up So.. it seems Amigas have been an investment rather than waste of money as PC people used to say.. and how much is their HW worth for now

[pVC]

I had a look at the site (and link to the shop) and it sounds interesting. Have you personally installed one? was it/do you know if it's difficult? If so, how long did you have to wait for it to arrive? Forgive me for the stupid question but what's the difference between a fully populated board and an unpopulated one?

I haven't personally bought it (yet). But I have got the impression that delivery might take some time, but it comes eventually. I guess installing isn't too hard, but requires opening the case at least.

I'd say populated is fully working card with all components on place, but for unpopulated you probably need to add components by yourself. But hmmmm... why unpopulated 2007 version costs more?