Searched for this, but not too thoroughly, so I hope this isn't too overdone.

Newcomer just finished reading the Rick Steves thread, which prompted this general question about guidebooks:

What's the lifespan of a good guidebook?

I actually don't have an European one -- I mostly just pick up one from AAA or hit up the library -- and wondered if I should spring for something new, of if I could go for a circa 2002 from half.com.

I don't get out much - maybe 1-2 time a year, and about as cheap as possible (which can be figured out by the "library" note, I bet)

Thanks.