http://www.blender3d.org/e-shop/product_info.php?products_id=79
Is it worth it
For starting out? Personally I say yes. It teaches basic skills, is a great reference, and as I don’t have a laptop, it’s portable. Also you help support Blender Foundation.
Worth noting Blender is forever changing, so new functions are not dealt with, and things can work just a bit differently.