500-in-1 Electronics Kits?

Oneamp asks: "I'm interested in a '500-in-one' type electronics kit. Amazon lists a few, but I've seen some user reviews that maybe they are not all they're cracked up to be. Most of the complaints seem to be of the 'Manual sucks' variety. Nevertheless, I'm sold on the idea. Can any of you, who have had actual experience with any of these kits, recommend a good one?"

ad-homs won't help.

[User 956]

I've seen some user reviews that maybe they are not all they're cracked up to be. Most of the complaints seem to be of the 'Manual sucks' variety.

That's not a very nice thing to say about Manuel. You know, he's trying the best he can.

Re:ad-homs won't help.

[polar red]

Basil: Manuel! (Nothing) Manuel! (Still nothing - totally
apopleptic now) MANUEL! (Manuel enters from the dining room)
Manuel: Que?
Basil: (Holds up vase) What is this?
Manuel: Ah, is voz.
Basil: No.
Manuel: Que?
Basil: (Patiently) No, try again.
Manuel: Oh, um - ah! Is flower pot?
Basil: (Grinning a very scary grin) No.
Manuel: Que? (looks over to Polly and Sybil) Mister Fawlty, is
crazy! (Whereupon Basil removes the flowers from the vase and dumps
the water over Manuels head, then as Manuel is spluttering, whaps
him in the face with the flowers)
Basil: This, you dago basket case, is a vase that is about as shiny
as a decaying dog turd. Now go and polish it properly or I shall
kill you. (Manuel scuttles off) Honestly, where do you have to go
to find good help these days? Beyond me. (turns and sees Polly and
Sybil giving him the evil eye) Well?

Re:Alternatively...

[Anonymous Coward]

And you'll also have no fucking idea where to start, and you'll probably end up setting something on fire.