Which Uno?

Projects General Guidance
1

On ebay Sainsmart is offering two generic 'unos'

http://www.ebay.com/itm/UNO-R3-ATmega328P-ATmega16U2-2012-Version-Board-Free-USB-Cable-For-Arduino-/300948763268?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4611f1b284

Should I get the 2012 version or the 2013 version for about 6 bucks more? I'm a complete beginner so I'm worried about blowing out an expensive card with one false move. The 2013 can switch to 3.3V but its more expensive.

Also what about this gsm shield? Is it decent?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-SIMCOM-SIM900-Quad-band-GSM-GPRS-Shield-for-Arduino-with-micro-SD-card-slot-/151121095914?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item232f84ecea

2

Personally I would go for the genuine Arduino, probably a starterskit.

Also what about this gsm shield? Is it decent?

How do you define decent?

3

Also see this type:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SainSmart-UNO-R3-Starter-Board-2013-Version-MEGA328P-AU-ATMEGA16U2-For-Arduino-/281074993843?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4171600ab3

This has 3-pin connectors for most I/O which makes it easy to cable things like THIS:

DISCLAIMER: Now Mentioning stuff from my own shop..!. My version of that with better 3.3V power is HERE:

I have not used that GSM shield...

4

robtillaart:
Personally I would go for the genuine Arduino,

Personally, I don't like the genuine Arduino Uno.
There are many 3rd party boards, that offer better capabilities.
I'd rather have features like:

  • a smaller USB connecter that doesn't interfere with shields
  • switchable 3v/5v
  • additional connectors/headers for things like servos, sensors, & i2c
  • more efficient voltage regulation circuitry
  • extra set of headers that align with standard strip/proto boards for easy DIY shields.
  • switch to enable/disable auto-reset

But for prototyping without shields, particuarly if using a breadboad, the Uno form factor
is not very friendly.
For bread boarding and small 1 off projects, there are other boards
that are easier to work with:

  • Teensy
  • Arduino Micro/mini/nano

--- bill

5

bperrybap:

robtillaart:
Personally I would go for the genuine Arduino,

Personally, I don't like the genuine Arduino Uno.
...
--- bill

The main reason for my answer is that the OP said:

I'm a complete beginner

6

jarwulf:
Should I get the 2012 version or the 2013 version for about 6 bucks more?

Were I in your shoes I would get neither. SainSmart knowingly sells a counterfeit board (not either of the products you referenced). As far as I'm concerned, they are thieves.

7

robtillaart:

bperrybap:

robtillaart:
Personally I would go for the genuine Arduino,

Personally, I don't like the genuine Arduino Uno.
...
--- bill

The main reason for my answer is that the OP said:

I'm a complete beginner

I'm mostly concerned with frying the board or anything connected due to miswiring etc. If the sainsmart board works the same but is cheaper it would be easier to replace, what would be the advantage of the original?

8

That is unfortunate. I hope whoever runs arduino forces them to change the name.

robtillaart:
Personally I would go for the genuine Arduino, probably a starterskit.

Also what about this gsm shield? Is it decent?

How do you define decent?

One that is sufficient and reliable for the intended purpose of being a mobile phone and basic features (calling storing and sending txt etc) and preferably is around as good as the original gsm shield.