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I'm completely new to Warhammer 40k, and curious about the following. I can basically get the mini-rulebook and templates for $20, or spend the extra cash and get only the rulebook. I have two questions:
1) Will a new edition be coming out soon? If so, i'd rather just get the mini-rulebook to save $ now, while purchasing the new edition upon it's release.

2) I understand the main rulebook has some fluff in which i'm interested, being new and all. Does the fluff warrant making the purchase? Does it tell me more than I'd learn from say, a specific army's codex?

Thanks

Can't answer 1, too new to know the ebbs and flows of GW.

But for 2, the codex will have way more for the non Imperial factions, and for them as well. In terms of fluff though you can find a lot online (don't tell anyone! ).

There's allegedly a new edition coming out sometime in 2012-13, but absolutely nothing concrete that I've heard.

The main rulebook has more fluff, yes. You can get most of the same fluff by buying one of the older rulebooks which, if you just want fluff and pretty pictures, you can get for cheapish on eBay. I know I have like 3 of the 3rd edition rulebook, and most of the fluff in that is still in the 5th ed one. Unfortunately 40k has moved away from mutants so those fun pages aren't in the current rulebook anymore.

There are a couple other bits and pieces in the full rulebook, like different scenarios and the like. Nothing essential to the game, though.

Thanks for responding guys. I think i'll just get the mini-rulebook and wait it out till a new edition. I'm also going to pick up one of the older editions for fluff like Brother SRM mentioned so I can grasp everything.

If you're a fan of the fluff and pretty pictures (lots of em) then go buy the big red book, if you just wanna know the rules then buy the mini. I've got both, cause I bought the limited BRB version and 2 mini rulebooks from AoBRs (so everyone playing can have a look at the rules).

If you want to read all the background to 40K or like my friend, have difficulty reading small print then the large sized rulebook is best.

If like me and many others who are well versed in 40K background and uninterested in the updated format then get the mini rulebook.

Not a tough choice in my opinion, it depends on what you want from the Rulebook

The Big Rule Book is nice to have and look at, but it's hugely impractical for reference during a game. I much prefer the mini rulebook.

I have both.
I bought the big one and was given a small one.

For tournaments, I used to throw the little one into my bag (I no longer do 40k tournaments).

It sits inside one of my miniatures cases now and stays there, only being used when that army is used.


There are times that the big book is better.
It solves arguments better (it's a hardback).

I got my minibook in my Assault on Black Reach starter set. It's beat up and worn, now, but I still use it; don't feel like dropping some outrageous price for a book I basically have when I can spend that money on some better tanks for my marines.