Thinking about buying

I've been thinking about picking this up (trying to get into a new MMO for summer), but I'm not sure if it is worthwhile.

While I'm not doubting that it is a good game, I know that Guild Wars 2 comes out within a year... so is it too late to start playing Guild Wars now?

Or if I do pick it up, will there be any benefit for when I get GW2?

GW2 within a year? Where'd you hear that?
But, No it's not to late to start playing GW. Why, It's never to late.
Yes, You will benefit in a way (yet to be announced how you will be benefited though) by putting weapons/miniatures/armor sets/titles/heroes in your Hall of Monuments.

If you purchase at least one campaign and the Eye of the North expansion, you will have a Hall of Monuments in which to record certain weapons and armor, heroes, minipets and titles. These will give some type of benefit in GW2 although more in the line of e-peen than game-changing. Meanwhile, you will be playing a great game that is completely different than GW2 will be. There is no reason not to continue playing it even after the second one is released.

Guild Wars and Guild Wars 2 are different games. So it's never too late.

I'd only recommend you buying it if you've got [online] RPG experience, and maybe want a different take on it.

I've been thinking about picking this up (trying to get into a new MMO for summer), but I'm not sure if it is worthwhile.

While I'm not doubting that it is a good game, I know that Guild Wars 2 comes out within a year... so is it too late to start playing Guild Wars now?

Or if I do pick it up, will there be any benefit for when I get GW2?

1. GW is very worthwhile IMO, lots to do to keep you playing but it isn't forceful so you don't have to do everything just to feel like you've completed the game.

2.GW2 isn't coming out for at least another year me thinks, and GW will benefit any GW2 players through HoM.

3. never too late to start playing GW, the servers will be kept up after GW2 launch, and GW2 is starting to look like a very different game. so even if you end up hating GW try out GW2 as well (or the other way round ^^)

Start by completing Nightfall, get a full set of heroes, go on to Eye of North. Then Prophecies, then Factions. Lots to do. Do not be afraid to go solo, but you may find a good guild.

Good luck!

Yes I agree, it's never to late, besides GW1 is the story that leads to GW2.

What you guys need to remember is that GW is a very different styled MMORPG.[serious] PvP is hard to get into for obvious reasons, and as a new comer you'll probably find it very hard to make money.

Xsiriss makes a good point. But you can become rich and famous. Rich anyway.