Technically, the extras in the Arduino Basic Kit aren't anything a savvy consumer couldn't order piecemeal, but there's something nice about having everything ready for you in one place.

Thankfully, Arduino forum member Romano d'Ezzelino has put together a series of reference cards that show the basics of a number of common connections.

Youngsters interested in technology might get a kick out of working with real computer hardware and software during their summer break. Parents, ...