For some people, emulation just isn't the same. That being said, UAE or Amiga Forever is a good and cheap way to dip your toe back into the scene before you invest what may be serious amounts of cash on old legacy hardware. I recommend AmiKit, personally. It's extremely easy to use.
But for a lot of people, emulation just doesn't scratch the itch for them, and I understand that too. To each his own, and all that jazz.
I spent a lot of money years ago tweaking out an A1200, never really could get it as stable as I'd have liked. I'm far more happy with my emulation, Amithlon and NG solutions now. Guess I just don't have the patience and time to fritter away fighting with old hardware anymore, heh.
Best of luck!
