Initial Setup

I want to load Asterisk to play around and learn the system, but I am looking for a cheap way to do this. Any suggestions as far as FXO/FXS hardware? What are the drawbacks of not going with something standard like the digium developers kit?

I have an old 700Mhz PC that I can use, I figure that will be ok for just playing around on with only 1-2 stations.

Recommendations? Thanks much.

If you want the most cheapest way you can use asterisk without any hardware at all (however the system will be VOIP only). There are some clones out there of a card that digium no longer sels (I believe it is the x100p). You can search for it on ebay.