Forgive me if I've missed this, but it doesn't look like your kit actually includes an Arduino of any kind. $12 would be an amazing price if it included an official Arduino, or even a free Arduino variant. With the Freeduino you offer, the total would be more around $35.00, still a good deal I think for what your customer is getting. You should offer the components kit with a Arduino Compatible device.
Thanks for your feedback, well actually we are offering multiple variants of Arduino/Freeduino/Sanguino boards with different configurations. Most of our customers are happy to pick the board of their choice whether its Arduino Severino, Lilypad, Freeduino Serial, Freeduino USB, Freeduino Lite or even the powerful Sanguino and then get the Basic Component kit as an add-on accessory. So we have left the choice to the end user. Something like a product configurator, which is working out well.
Plus our recent tie up with Indian Postal Service (SpeedPost) has got down the domestic and international prices by 40% which also works in favour of our customers.
Although in your 2nd part you admit to being a bit sick of starter kits, I'd like to point anyones attention to the Fritzing starter kit (Fritzing - electronics made easy). It is more or less comparable to the Adafruit starter kit (from what I saw), it's contents is on that page. It is reasonably priced at 55 euro (ex VAT), certainly if you keep in mind that you support the work on the Fritzing tool ("With the purchase of one starter kit you are supporting one hour of bug-fixing."). Oh and last but not least: they are very friendly over at Frizing!
I would be careful of the earthshine design starter kit. I ordered mine over a week ago, and he has my money, but the order is sitll at the processing stage. I have tried contacting him via the website and e-mail but not repsonse yet. Currently it does not matter how good the start kit is if you can't actually buy it.
Thanks for the heads up. I'm in the process of updating my information and moving it to a more permanent page that'll be kept up-to-date, As well as be a little more readable.
If anyone else has kits they'd like to see in the list, I'll be happy to add it. I'd like to make my list as comprehensive as possible. My requirements are that the kit ought to be known as an Arduino kit, and should at least be offered with an Arduino/Freeduino. In otherwords, no General electronics kits for beginners.
Just and update: I got a e-mail from earthshine design late Thursday and I received the kit this morning (Saturday). I must say I am impressed with this kit, and the time he has put into the manual.
I have not found any other seller for Freeduino/Arduino in India. Buying from US/UK is much more expensive because of shipping charges and customs duty imposed by the Indian Govt.
Since you mention earthshine I'll say that I ordered some kit on 28 May and haven't heard anything since (my paymeny went but my order hasn't been processed).
MC Mike hasn't been online here this month, so I guess he's on holiday or something. It's a relief to see hairlocks had a similar experience, I was getting a little worried at the lack of response.
edit: I've got home to find an email telling me my order has been shipped
Hi, just wanted to add that I ordered my kit from Earthshine and received it in pretty good time. Looks like a good kit, I just need some time learn how to use it now!
SparkFun has updated their kit. It's now called the SparkFun Inventor's Kit.
After wading through your articles and thinking a lot more about this than I should be, this is the one I went with. I like the idea of the bigger breadboard and the parts list seems decent.