Which classic system should I buy?

[bbond007]

If you want a faster CPU and more RAM then add this (delivery in September):
http://amigakit.leamancomputing.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=43&products_id=1013

I agree with Darrin on the 1200. It can run the full range of classic software unlike the ESC/OCS machines.

I would not wait for the ACA accelerator. I'd look for a used 030 or better to pop up on amibay or ebay or here. You might find use for the FPU or MMU which the ACA lacks. I believe the 68EC030 lacks MMU anyway, correct me if I'm wrong. I guess the main selling point of that accelerator is memory speed and rekick feature and that its new.

If you do start serious expanding on the A1200, I'd suggest you get a beefier PS.

I have a 1200 with subway, wireless pcmcia, 030/40mhz 64mb, SSD, and when I tried to add SVIDEO adapter that put my stock PS over the edge(would not boot). That gives you an idea what you can run off the stock.

I have the APOWER from here: http://a4000t.com

I don't understand why he only has the CD32 one listed. interesting. You can always make one from ATX or micro ATX or I have heard an A500 PS can work. maybe contact him.

this is the thread with the compatible monitors:
 
http://www.amiga.org/forums/showthread.php?t=58860

as far as books, you should buy used ones

I have a external ESATA BluRay hooked to my A1200. That its a pretty inexpensive option. You just need 4xIDE adapter and a compatible IDE->SATA converter. Pretty cool having a A1200 with 4usb ports and a ESATA port

I use these tiny speakers and they are excellent for the size and I don't even like bose crap. They are not excellent for the price though

http://www.bose.com/controller?url=/shop_online/digital_music_systems/computer_speakers/music_monitor/index.jsp

I got them free for making all of my purchases on American Express. I wonder if they still have them in their catalog.

[bbond007]

no VGA adapter required!  

Yeah. but you'll be stuck with ECS unless you add a GFX board

been playing with my new monitor -1024x768 HAM8 pics look photo-realistic, like a modern PC.

ECS looks pretty dated... only 4096 colour in Low-Rez(320x512) with HAM6.

[bbond007]

Just curious, why is OS3.9 a requirement for you? Whilst it is the latest version of AmigaOS designed to run on the 68k Amigas, it adds a noticeable amount of overhead when compared to OS3.1 (or even OS3.5), from what I understand. If you're looking for a cheap Amiga, then sticking to OS3.1 may save you from wanting to get an accelerator.

Very true! 3.1 is where its at. I have had good luck with Classic WB.

http://classicwb.abime.net/

Even if you don't get an accelerator you would still want a trapdoor memory expansion. The A1200 has the potential to run almost twice as fast simply by adding (any amount) of additional ram. Still, The price difference between trapdoor memory expansions and one of the slower 030 accelerator is probably only a few bills.