Hello, I just discovered Gog, and am interested in getting one of the two Fallout RPGs. I have not played any of the Fallout games (not even 3), so which should I start with?
Thank you

May I ask your rationale?

Ah thanks. Is there a large technical difference between the two or are the largely similar?
Oh and should I read the manual, or is there a tutorial in game?

No tutorial.
I never read the manual and started playing rightaway.
They were the first RPGs I ever played and I didn't have much issues with them.
The manual might give some info about character creation, which might be useful.
Than again, when creating a character the game gives you info.
Per Jorner's nearly ultimate guide for Fallout and Fallout 2 give you all the info you need.
Character design, walkthrough, special encounters, etc.

Thanks

In Fallout 2 the tutorial is the Temple of Trials...and yes, read the manual. Too bad we can't get the printed ring-binder manual from GOG.
As far as technical differences, the only one I have noticed is that you can move people out of the way in Fallout 2, unlike Fallout 1 where you would have to wait until Hell froze over before an NPC got out of the way between you and a door.

Pretty silly question at the price they are at get both and play them till eyes or fingers bleed (or till you finish them).
You could also start at 3 with no real detriment to story and gameplay as with FA3 there is little mention of the previous 2 games story line only vague mentions. It's more a continuation of the fallout world then the story of 1 and 2. Also game play is incredibly different from isometric 2D take turns strategy to a FPS bullet timing shootemup fest (that's what it turns in to and you know it). In other words there is no NEED to know the background of the last 2 FO games when it comes to enjoying FO3. But playing the 1st 2 can only enrich your experience IMO with lore and just plain knowing things.

Play the first one first.
How is this not obvious?