Quick question - can you just use the mini breadboard with the Arduino Uno for prototyping or do you need a shield to fit in-between the two?
You can use jumper wires to go from the shield pins to the breadboard pins.
So I don't need any in-between stage between the Uno and the mini-breadboard then?
I was a little worried about it since lots of tutorials seem to be using a shield on top of the Arduino board and then connected it to the breadboard or mini-breadboard.
Would you know any good beginner tutorials for learning the basic electronics involving the Arduino boards?
Try this one, and go thru the Learning section on the forum.
Be sure to always include a current limit resistor with any LEDs.
http://www.earthshineelectronics.com/files/ASKManualRev5.pdf