Yep, I've used the AE-1P pretty extensively, actually. The A-1 is more the Super Program's opposite number in most respects: digital display, PASM modes, a compensation dial, etc. Same chassis as the AE-1P, though, (And both will take the Winder A, Winder A2, and Motor Drive MA, btw. ) The original AE-1 and similar ones can only take the Winder A.
I'd consider the AE-1P like a good courier bike, really nothing you don't need (Except maybe the Program mode, itself, why bother. It's so fast in manual, you don't need it,
) The meter's less sensitive on the very low end and not as precise, (Rather, a string of numbers that light up: this is actually pretty darn quick, you don't even have to consciously-read them, once you're used to them, and I have what I call a 'metering waggle' to get my precision, if I need that. I probably actually like em better than the A-1, all told, (At least being so used to them) and they all came with the brighter screen that was introduced midway through the A-1's run. )
Since there wasn't very sophisticated Program mode or meter patterns at the time, I really actually don't particularly recommend using it on cameras of that vintage. I used to be pretty dead-set against using program modes, until the automation started getting smarter. For me, I generally may as well set it myself, anyway. (Though I do like the hyperprogram mode on the modern cameras, kind of makes up for being harder to just set by feel as with old dials.
)
Yes, my old Canons are still in service, though.
Mind you, I'm quite fond of the Super Program, myself. I have the Super A for Pentax.