I've much less experience than the posters above, but I would offer a contrarian view. It's based on my own consideration and discussions with my open minded disciples. My view applies if you want to get utility for your PED. If you want to own things nice to have, but non-essential at the start of your journey in EU or you want to play above your lvl then just ignor the following...
So for $40/400 ped you would get
Armor Set with 'speed' boost > as my good soc leader used to say, early on your investment should go to 1.weapon, 2.fap....and only distant 3.armor. First two give skills, armor doesn't, so stay away as much as possible from armor early lvl
Skill Pills > I doubt new player would appreciate their value and would probably waste on low MU hunting skills
H-DNA > seems like most of the value is for pvpers, hardly an area to start
Oil > can get in the market at very low MU
Car > starter car will last for long, long time if used properly, no need for another one
FAP (heal tool) > do gauntlet 1 and get very close S10 for free
Barbarella > very nice rifle, but can get LR s1x1 for +10, and it's NOT soulbound
Scope > I'm still to learn their benefits, esp for new players..
Amp > the only useful equipment, that fits tt laser weapons and UL SI HK110 or Scorpi. The only reason I would recommend a pack! But if you plan to outgrow 4 dmg weapons fast you would need to buy A101 to fit your barbarella, and then you are better of with LR or Chon as they are not soulbound
So what I suggested to my disciples is to depo 400 ped, get LR or chon, get A101 and have +/-250 PED to play with. It's 50 ped more than pack and if you EVER decide to sell LR or A101 you may still get your money back (provided MU holds), unlike starter pack equipment which has ZERO tt value....And you can always get the pack later on when you know the benefit of it (Skill Pills!!)
A lot of ppl who recommend the pack are looking from their advanced skill point view....
Just my 2 cents...