Hi,
You can use any version of Arduino or Arduino-compatible for everything in the book.
Reviewing the book, I don't find any list of components or devices. Massimo covers these classes of devices (excerpt):
---------------------( COPY )--------------------------
Digital Output
We used it to control an LED but, with the proper circuit, it can be used to control motors, make sounds, and a lot more.
Analog Output
This gives us the ability to control the brightness of the LED, not just turn it on or off. We can even control the speed of a motor with it.
Digital Input
This allows us to read the state of simple sensors, like pushbuttons or tilt switches.
Analog Input
We can read signals from sensors that send a continuous signal that’s not just on or off, such as a potentiometer or a light sensor.
Serial Communication
This allows us to communicate with a computer and exchange data or simply monitor what’s going on with the sketch that’s running on the Arduino.
-----------------( END COPY )----------------------
There are many appropriate "Starter Sets" out there from Adafruit, Sparkfun, YourDuino and others.
Here's a look at some of the types of devices discussed, with links to examples:
http://arduino-info.wikispaces.com/ElectronicBrickStarterSet
Those are "electronic Bricks" which are easy to connect with 3-pin cables, but more expensive than plain components you would connect on a "breadboard".
See "Arduino: What IS it??" here: http://arduino-info.wikispaces.com/Arduino-What-IS-it
And here's a set of examples and how to get started: http://arduino-info.wikispaces.com/YourDuinoStarter
DISCLAIMER: Mentioned stuff from my own shop also ...