POCOMAXA Is the Starling handbook up-to-date with the latest Starling version?
Does it include information about:
local saving(like progress and scores and so on...);
packaging with Flash Builder...
spritesheets...
little details like landscape mode or portrait(I remember I had problems with that)...
Purchasing the Starling Handbook is a nice way to financially support Daniel Sperl and his amazing efforts, as well as getting a nice to hold physical book you can pull down from the shelf and refer to as needed. I have it and use it. It's also co-authored by Josh Tynjala (Feathers) and Johann Huang (Starling Builder).
Much of the information within it is available online here. That will help you get started as well as providing you an idea of what to expect in the Handbook.
The Harman SDK is still beta and likely still ironing out issues. The last beta released via email distribution was 3rd July. Rather than waiting for that, you can get started immediately using the Adobe AIR SDK without any cost, then just transition up later as needed.
POCOMAXA There will be a low fee for beginners I read... something like 20-30 usd per month.
Anyone earning < $50K/year is free, provided you're comfortable with a splash screen on app startup.
Those earning $50K-100K/year pay $199 annually.
Those earning $100K-500K/year pay $799 annually.
Those earning $500K+ pay $1,199 annually.
ANE creation and packaging is exempt from fees.
POCOMAXA You all said that HARMAN will be responsible for AIR from now on, and the geys from Gamua for Starlong... what about the ANEs.. are they up-to-date? Will the support for them be there for a long time?
Most ANE's are provided by third parties and maintenance will depend on those. MyFlashLabs are still very active, and I'm sure there are others too.
POCOMAXA Do you think it will be compatible with FlashBuilder 4.7?
FlashBuilder isn't maintained at all. I can understand if you're on a Mac and need to use it, but under Windows, FlashDevelop in my opinion, is a better option. If you don't mind paying for an IDE, IntelliJ IDEA is also spoken well of and will run on Mac and Windows.