I should add, as far as comparison, I'm less interested in what will help me pass the test so much as which set will help me learn the material more.  For $135 or whatever the software is for each of the TechCerts things are, I'm imaging the CA stuff is likely to stack up better in that respect, yes?

I'm willing to shell out the extra money if it means I get a better learning experience. 

I don't have any relevant experience beyond some work solving your typical tech problems at people's home and tutoring people in basic computer usage.  My skills extend beyond that, but only so far.  I want to eventually get into computer security, but I clearly don't have the knowledge or experience I need to do that. 

Short-term, I want to be able to get an entry-level job in something IT-related in January while I work towards personal development in the area. 

Anyway, I want to do more than just pass the test, you know?  I'm going to do just that with Sec+ in a couple of weeks because it's kind of basic, but I want to learn more.  $2k seems really attractive because the alternatives are usually 2x as expensive or more if you want to go way in-depth and I'm better off with self-study anyhow.

I'm running a one-coffee day, but does the above make sense?