Which is the best Amiga and why?

[Tenacious]

@ Sim085

Maxing the hardware is cool but without software that needs it, it seems a hollow pursuit.  What software categories are you interested in?

There are many past forums on this site where the best text editor, word processor, music sequencer, browser, sky simulator, dir utility, image editor, Mp3 player, calculator, mailer, PDA interface, FTP, Mpeg viewer, pop-up notepad, program launcher, database, spreadsheet, programming environment, system diagnostic, presentation/authoring, screensaver, amortizer, CD writer, Mac emulator, fax, font editor, family tree, organizer, etc are debated.  The Amiga has every kind of software, much of it for free on Aminet.  It plays some cool games, too.  (I'm not sure anyone mentioned that).  Your now "not so humble" A500 can run nearly all of this stuff.

Try it out.

[Tenacious]

@ Redfox

No sweat!

@ Sim085

There is no rush.  Trying all the software you can find will help you know how to proceed.  Probably, 90% of Amiga software was designed to be runable on an unexpanded A500.  Browsing, Mp3s, and movie trailers usually require more horsepower or special expansions. (Try Googling "Amiga MasPlayer".)

Also, there are many here who have greatly expanded systems, and others who have large collections.  The secret is to bide your time and wait for good (or free) deals.  Instant gratification is what makes Amigas expensive.

[Tenacious]

I think all of mine work, or, at least, none have died of old age.

A 1200 and a 600 suffered mishaps from previous owners.