[Coco] Hello from a serious newbie/beginner!

[John Lochey]

Hi everyone!
I'm completely new to this group, but really appreciate being permitted to join.  I know you all are WAY advanced, but I guess I have to start somewhere with my questions, so sorry to burden anyone.

I recently acquired a "mint" CoCo2 that is just SO sweet!  :)
I REALLY like it and of course now I want to start playing with it a bit.
Right now I'm going through the "Getting Started With Extended Basic" manual and utilizing the MOCHA and XRoar emulators on my Windows machine.
I have also downloaded just about every book and magazine that I could find on the Color Computer(s).


I have few questions if anyone has the time:
- Are these the best emulators to use?
- Can I get a device that would allow me to read an SD card and use it as a "disk drive"?
- Is there any books or magazines on the CoCo that really stand out and are in the "must read" category?
- What "monitor/TV screen" setup would you recommend to get the best picture?  Assuming that a higher resolution/better picture is desired?

- Do you think it is better to program on the "real thing" or an emulator?  Maybe it is just personal preference?



Thank you all very much!


John