leftout,
You might want to move over to the Cisco forum - you will find lots of info under the Cisco certification forum.
As far as equipment - for CCNA you should have at least 3 routers and 2 switches,
For routers you can still learn a ton from a Cisco 2501, 2503 or 2514 (You want a 2500 that does Ethernet) with 16 mgs DRAM and 16 mgs FLASH (that is the max for these) you also want at least a 12.2 or newer IOS. You can find these routers on eBay for about $75 each. You may also consider a 2610-11 or 2620-21 - these are newer, faster and a little more then the 2500s on eBay, you will also need to spend more on WICs to connect them serial to serial.
Google Cisco 2611 and learn about what you are looking to buy - same for the 2500s - Google it and learn - then you will be a better buyer!!
As for switches you can look for the 2912s or 2924s - 2950s are what the test is based on but they are a little pricy at about $600 each.
Just some thoughts!
E.A. Broda
CCNA, CCDA, CCAI, Network +