Anyone own the bradygames strategy guide?

So I was retarded and bought the bradygames FFIX strategy guide. I didn't realize that it was a sucker's guide coercing you to play by the computer, using playonline to get information for which I thought I bought when got the guide. Does anyone have this guide? If you do, does it skip cool items if I choose not look up every single thing on playonline? Can anyone suggest a good, spoiler-free guide online if the bradygames one is in fact terrible and barely serves its purpose.

Having never played FFIX, are there important items that if I miss the first time around, it's gone? I read about the Excalibur 2... and well screw that. I'm just worried I'm gonna miss something cool (I like to do everything in FF) if I follow the guide without playonline.

There are plenty of quality guides at http://www.gamefaqs.com. I'm sure you can find one that will meet your needs there.