having in mind the project to build a multi-sensor datalogger based on an Arduino (let's say, moisture, temperature). I will use my setup in my lab and eventually on the field to monitor my study site.
I am asking because I am somewhat limited within my budget and I would like to make the best possible choice early to prevent wastage of resources.
being somewhat limited in the budget myself, I submit the answer is probably
no to everything.
Computer books have been notorious for decades. They always cost $50 and get opened once. I suspect this is because they are written for people who should not be buying them, but do have the $50.
The best source of information would be this forum and it's free. Using the Arduino for datalogging is very popular and not very difficult. You will be well-supported here. There is also a raft of other information from manufacturers and resellers, not to mention a great swag of internet tutorials, also free.
An electronic kit usually comes at a price premium and inevitably contains stuff you don't want. You will be better off getting an Arduino board and then acquiring the peripherals off eBay as you need them. Needless to say, you can get stuff you don't need without buying a kit, but a mistake is probably less likely, and cheaper if it is.
Having said that, the big mistake I made was the Arduino Uno itself as it eventually turned out to have insufficient memory for my datalogging project for remote operation, and I was obliged to buy a Mega 2560. I don't regret getting the Uno, it was excellent for learning and will probably be used at home.
You are already at a huge advantage as you are talking first and buying later. Most people, including me, buy first and talk later, which is a good way to get it wrong.
