I have an old copy of this game, with manual, stashed somewhere in my old computer room.
Trouble is, my old computer room is in my old house, which is halfway around the world.
I remember Alpha Centauri having one of the old-school chunky, detailed manuals.

Since I can't travel back to get my manual, how is the in-game tutorial?

I've been hankering to give AC a go again, but it's been so long that I can't remember how everything works. Do I need to have a copy of the manual on hand as I play, or is there a competent in-game tutorial and help system?

Thanks!

Why not just download the manual here?

Failing that, I'd say the in-game tutorial is pretty good. Maybe a tad basic, but clear and concise. It'll give you a fair overview of the HUD, game world, stuff your formers are doing and all that jazz. For more in-depth details you can always consult the Datalinks, which acts kind of the same way as the Civilopedia in the Civ games.

Actually, one of the first things it says in the manual is that you can learn how to play without reading the manual.

The in-game tutorial is one of the best tutorials I have ever seen in any game, up to 1999 when this was published.

That said, the manual is one of the best manuals as well. You'll want to read it after your first few games, and yes, after you've learned how to play.

Datalinks is also helpful. Also www.apolyton.net and www.civfanatics.com are good resources, each of them having a dedicated SMAC forum.

I xas in the same boat as you, been ages since I played, but decided to jump in. I used the ingame guide on the menu's and they're simple but excellent if you take your time to read it.
In doubt of what something does, you can always check the Database (datalinks) ingame, a great source of information, and with a nice searchfunction.
I used the datalinks plenty when I started over again, to know what all the different buildings & unitmodifications did.µ
But if you played it before, you'll pick it up fast once more!

I purchased the game with no manual for 25 cents american and never had a problem. It won´t be too difficult to get back into.

I haven't read the manual or tutorials yet. I jumped straight in without any experience (I have prior Civ 4 experience) and it has been a blast.

It's a shame though that I never originally played this game when it came out. I would have loved it.