When you're shopping for a programming or IT course, the first decision isn't which platform to buy-it's what kind of learning you need. Do you want to practice industrial automation with ladder logic? Build games while picking up Python? Or drill down on a specific AWS certification? The four options here span USD 22.95 to USD 41.09, so the choice is less about cost and more about matching the material to your goal.
Quick take
The two Allen-Bradley PLC bundles both use a ladder logic simulator, but they differ in delivery: one is a CD-based trainer with a reference CD, the other is a USB video course. The Python book is the least expensive and takes a game-project approach. The AWS notes are the highest-priced and focus on the AWS Certified Developer Associate exam.
Listed price comparison
| Product | Listed Price | Price Bar |
|---|---|---|
| PLC Trainer & Training Course + Simulator | FAST ACCESS & Ref CD | USD 29.99 | |
| PLC Video Training Course | Trainer Simulator | USB Drive | USD 24.99 | |
| Invent Your Own Computer Games with Python | USD 22.95 | |
| AWS Certified Developer Associate Training Notes | USD 41.09 |
Format matters as much as price here. The two PLC bundles are interactive training systems with simulator practice, the Python book is a read-and-code project guide, and the AWS notes are exam-focused study material. Once you know which kind of experience you want, the right choice becomes clearer.
Decision matrix
| Your Goal | Best Pick | Why It Fits |
|---|---|---|
| Learn PLC programming with video, simulator, and extra reference material | PLC Trainer & Training Course + Simulator | The bundle pairs structured lessons with an Allen-Bradley-style ladder logic simulator and a reference CD. |
| Get PLC training on a USB drive at a lower price | PLC Video Training Course | The USB edition offers video training plus a trainer simulator for hands-on practice. |
| Learn Python by building games | Invent Your Own Computer Games with Python | Al Sweigart's trade paperback uses game projects and interactive applications to teach programming fundamentals. |
| Focus on AWS certification prep | AWS Certified Developer Associate Training Notes | Neal Davis's brand-new paperback targets the AWS Certified Developer Associate path with organized study notes. |
Product notes
PLC Trainer & Training Course + Simulator (2026 Edition)
The PLC Trainer & Training Course + Simulator is the pricier of the two PLC packages at USD 29.99. It combines structured video lessons with an Allen-Bradley-style ladder logic simulator, plus a FAST ACCESS & Ref CD. The bundle also includes college-level PLC textbooks as PDFs, sample programs, exercises, and multi-brand industrial reference manuals. If you want a single resource for both training and later reference, this is the one to choose. The item is new open-box, and it is built around a MicroLogix1000 controller platform. The main limitation is that no PLC hardware is included, so all practice happens inside the simulator rather than on physical equipment.
PLC Video Training Course (USB Drive)
The PLC Video Training Course is the lower-cost option at USD 24.99, delivered on a USB drive. It shares the Allen-Bradley focus and includes a trainer simulator, with video training as the primary format. If you want to follow structured video lessons on your computer and keep your spending closer to the lower end of this group, this is the logical choice. The trade-off is that it is the video-course delivery rather than the CD-based trainer package, so it emphasizes video lessons rather than a separate reference CD.
Invent Your Own Computer Games with Python, 4th Edition / Python Crash Course
This trade paperback by Al Sweigart is the least expensive pick at USD 22.95. It uses game projects and interactive applications to teach Python, making it a good on-ramp for someone with little or no programming background. The 376-page book is in good condition, so you are getting a used copy rather than a brand-new one. If your goal is to learn coding fundamentals by building something fun, this is the most affordable route. The limitation is that its focus is Python game-building rather than industrial automation or cloud certification, so it is best for general programming foundations rather than vendor-specific training.
AWS Certified Developer Associate Training Notes: Fast-track Your Exam Success
At USD 41.09, Neal Davis's training notes are the highest-priced option and are the certification-focused resource. This brand-new paperback is written for the AWS Certified Developer Associate path, with coverage of development tools, deployment, monitoring, security, and cloud best practices. If you have an exam goal in mind, this is the resource that gives you organized, fast-track study material. The limitation is that it is focused on AWS exam prep rather than Python foundations or PLC simulation, so its value depends on your specific certification target. For an AWS-focused learner, the price may be worth the direct preparation.
Final recommendation by use case
- For PLC training with extra reference material and a simulator: choose the PLC Trainer & Training Course + Simulator. It pairs the reference CD with the ladder logic simulator.
- For a lower-cost PLC video course on USB: choose the PLC Video Training Course. The USB format makes it easy to run video lessons alongside the simulator.
- For beginner Python with game projects: choose Invent Your Own Computer Games with Python. It teaches programming through hands-on game development.
- For AWS Certified Developer Associate exam prep: choose AWS Certified Developer Associate Training Notes. It gives you a focused, exam-oriented study path.
