I really understand what your point is Craig, but right now I can't really do what I want ( regarding my training in magic ). You see... It's different for everyone. For me is the fact that my day begins at 7:00 AM, I go to school, I come back at 14:00 PM, and till 'bout 23:00 all I do is study for the next day and maybe spend an hour or two with my friends. I'm not really the nerdy style, studying all day long, but I have to right now because Romania is f*cked up and they ask us to learn all that crappy stuff. I'm really looking forward to finishing school so I can start doing what I really want to. 'Till then, all I can do is just entertain my friends with "tricks".
I can see where your time is a precious thing so I can forgive you for wanting to lean on tech resources. There are however eBooks that can now be downloaded for Kindle and iPads/iPhones, etc. I know that most of my books are available in such a manner via Amazon. I'm not certain about video availability but I'm certain the crew here or Ellusionist would be amongst the first to create such a product/service; I'm amazed no one has done it so far given how many of us have talked about it, including Stephan Minch a few years back.
I push books for a handful of reasons two of which I've already mentioned; you get far more for the dollar ventured and too, you have a hands-on research tool that won't go out of style due to "up-grades" on PC technology, etc. Ideally though, its the combination of book study with the visual tutorial that gives the student superior advantage. . . or so has been my personal experience.
If you learn one or two basic techniques tied to Mentalism, such as Swami & Billet work you will be able to do much more for less venture than you will be able to do with a $100.00 wallet or $60.00 imp pad let alone the many other gadgets floating around out there. Too, it prevents you from being the classic Boy Scout magician with pockets overflowing with props & gimmicks so you're "prepared".
There is however a question I have in this case. . . given that you are looking for effects I'm wondering what you are calling "Mentalism". Usually when I hear this it's not Mentalism that people are looking at but rather Bizarre Magick; effects like Stigmata or Ashes on the Arm, Thread from the stomach and peas from the eye, etc. Things have been globed together over the past 15 years but there is a big difference, bizarre magick actually delivering a greater sense of spooky fun vs. proper Mentalism or Mental Magic. To the latter however I would suggest that you look at some of the items offered by Paper Crane, starting with TECHNIQUE. Ignoring my own bias towards this material I will state that it offers you a very sound skill set that can take you a very long way, overcoming the complications associated with the root system it is based on. POWER WORD FALL is also a fun piece but you will want to embellish your understanding of the primary gimmick used in said piece. I can't even hint at what that is without giving things away, I'll just say that it is a very common gaff that we've used for eons.
Regardless, I hope you the best on your venture.