General A1200 Questions

[Damion]

What is the difference between the Kickstar 3.0 and 3.1 boards?

3.1 was the last ROM version, it enables you to use later OS revisions (3.1, 3.5, 3.9) as well as some other minor improvements and fixes.
 

Whilst I realise I would require an ethernet port to go online would it also be recommended that I picked up an accelerator card? Amigakit stock the e-matrix accelerator is that one any good? I seem to read a lot about the blizzard one being the one to look for.

The Blizzard is probably the best overall, but there are other nice reliable cards, too. The extra RAM and speed boost from any '030 card will make a *massive* performance improvement, not too mention '030 boards are still very compatible with games (aside from possibly WHDLoad and the Microbotics). You can check the specs of any card you might be interested in at the Amiga Hardware Database, or ask here.
 
That said - all you really need to enjoy classic gaming with WHDLoad is a basic RAM card.

What is the benefit of getting a scandoubler? Would including the Indivision AGA 1200 Scandoubler offer any increase in performance or functionallity or is it solely just to allow users to connect to a monitor via VGA?

The scandoubler allows you to use modern monitors. The Indivision is even programmable, so you can use LCDs, which normally don't sync to PAL/50Hz (at the expense of perfect scrolling).
 

How would I go about connecting a CD drive up to the amiga? Would I be able to use any PC drive with an IDE connection?

Technically it's no problem, just a PITA having cables hanging out of your A1200, unless you want to hack something internal.

I recommend getting an IDE-Fix Express. It speeds up the transfer rate (probably at least 2x with an '030), and gives you extra connectors. I also recommend using a IDE->Compact Flash adapter CF card for your hard drive... silent, fast, small, and low power consumption.
 

Is Amiga OS 3.1 the same thing as workbench 3.1? And which would be the best, most compatible OS for gaming on an amiga?

Yes, basically they mean the same thing. Any OS is fine for gaming IMHO, but 3.1 is the best choice for stock or mildly expanded machines. You might want to check out Classic Workbench... takes a lot of the work out of building a nice configuration yourself, at least until you feel more comfortable dabbling on your own. Easiest thing is to format and configure the CF card on your PC with WinUAE, stick it in your A1200 and away you go.

 

I apologise about any stupid questions.

Your questions aren't stupid at all! Welcome to the forum, and enjoy your new A1200.

[Damion]

Is it not possible to copy all of the games from the disks onto the system?

Not directly, most floppy games aren't HD-installable... that's what WHDLoad is for.

How easy is it to fit an accelerator card? Is it just a case of putting it into a slot like putting a PCI-E card into a X86 motherboard?

Yes, plug and go.

Yeah I think the monitor I have only goes as high as 800x600 or something like that :lol: I'll probably stick to 3.1 just for now but how easy is it to fit a scan doubler if I wanted to do that myself at a later date? I'm really paranoid that there i'll have to do some soldering or something.

It's fairly easy, no soldering required, though you might have to be creative getting everything fitting nicely.

Alternatively if I were to go down a tower route in the future and was looking at adding a MEDIATOR 1200TX PCI BUSBOARD could I use a GPU instead of a scan doubler? And is it only the older Voodoo cards that would be compatible with the busboard?

This is where things start getting retarded - native video isn't routed through the Voodoo, only WB and so-called "system friendly" apps. This eliminates 99% of games and demos.

You'll need either a monitor switcher (and scandoubler), or two monitors... one for your Voodoo screens, and another (like your 1084) for games. Scandoubler + a monitor with two inputs is a tidy solution.