private pilot study suggestions?

A while back I posted a question regarding how to approach studying for
the private certificate. Thanks to all who responded.

I've been methodically planning out my long term and short term vision
of how to go about my training. Now that I have been digging into the
web and my Sporty's "What You Should Know" DVD series, I have some more
questions that I was hoping to get some answers for from anyone who has
helpful suggestions.

1) What do you think of the following study strategy:

Long Term Focus -- Study information about flying that rarely changes.
Question is, what information fits in this category? I'm still trying
to get my tongue around all the acronyms for the various publications
out there (AIM, FAR, etc.). Is there a canonical "list" of all the
aviation publications relevant to the private certificate and from that
list, how do I pick out the "foundational" and/or rarely changing
publications?

Short Term Focus -- Closer to going to ground school to prepare for the
written, study the more recent, ever-changing publications. Same
question applies as for the Long Term Focus publications--is there a
list and how do I pick out the ones that change frequently?

A side note: As a part of the Sporty's series, I have the PTS Study
Guide and their suggested training outline. I'm also a member of AOPA
until about June. I don't have anything else in hardcopy and want to
spend as little $$$ as possible until I'm committed financially to a
specific flight school, etc. So, most of my studying will be online
for now.

2) What is the best way to go about studying the dizzying amount of
information about aviation weather (I learn weather topics best with
visual aids)? Right now I'm mostly interested in gaining a good base
for understanding what is needed for ground school, the written, and
in-flight instruction. So many sources, so little knowledge to know
where find one or two to focus on.

3) I have a PocketPC that is great for studying information on the go
and during downtime. I've downloaded a few flashcard and quiz
programs, but haven't yet found "the one". I'm looking for a PocketPC
study aid that quizzes me on "graphical" topics (runway markings, etc.)
as well as purely "text" topics (FAA written). Know of any? If it
happens to be for just a regular computer that's cool too. I'm a
programmer and can adapt it for the PocketPC.

I know I have other questions, but this seems like enough for now. I
eagerly await anyone's responses.

Thanks!!