--Parallax has a kit consisting of everything you'll need to get started and to get a solid understanding of what's going on. The book's called "What's a Microcontroller" and it comes with a kit of parts that are very well thought out. I had a UC Extension class called "Gizmology" that used this material and it was a real eye-opener; I've used it to make a pneumatic tapdancing robot (pretty primitive but it worked!) and lately I've used it to drive my calliope. --Reason I like the Stamp: they've got the most comprehensive manual and it assumes you know NOTHING when you start out; something sadly lacking from all the other systems I've encountered.. --You'll want to start here: