taking the plunge

in CCIE
well, it looks like i will be attempting the CCIE R&S. issues at work have made it possible for me to start studying. i will be able to put in about 30-40 hours a week in study time. i just ordered the CCIE R&S Exam Guide, 3rd edition and will begin studying in January. I will be building a lab that consists of two workstations with 5 routers running on each, each with a NIC assigned to it. I will also be purchasing several 3550's to tie into my virtual lab. I plan on purchasing some workbooks and Videos, but have not decided which vendor to go with yet. To all those pursuing the CCIE in 2009, good luck

Comments
There are more books that are highly recommended.
I've been dipping in and out of the Doyle TCP IP Routing books (Both volumes) - they are superb.
Im jk. Its not the bad really. Well...
Anyway, don't worry too much about hitting all the vendors. I know it sounds like a good idea to 'maximize your exposure' but it almost becomes counter-productive. They all cover the blueprint and its about learning the technologies more than hammering out lab after lab.
Good luck and keep us updated.
Remember to keep your eye on the target. Finish up that CCNA:Security, knock out the Design Certs, and work that CCIP. But whatever you do -- don't get distracted by those shiny CCVP or CCSP Certifications.
mikej412
Certifications: CCNP CCIP CCSP CCVP CCDP CCDA CCNA CS-CIPSS CS-CIPTDS CS-CIPTOS CS-CIPCSS CS-CFWS CS-CVPNS CS-CISecS ISSP 4013 4011
Are you sure it is just the certs that are distracting you, Mike?
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Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
(Leonardo da Vinci)