Somewhat OT: FPGA Develpment Kits

[Chuck Guzis]

Not vintage, but closely related.

Rather than write some emulation software, I'd like to see if I can 
implement some simpler CPU designs in FPGA.

I see various development kits out there with various capabilities 
(I/O memory, displays, etc.).

Is there any particular kit that stands heads and shoulders above the 
others?  Is there a preference between Xilinx and Altera?

I'm just looking for some pointers here.

Thanks,
Chuck