Affordable home kits?

[techhelpbb]

Originally Posted by dellagd

Totally agree. My thought was since the raspberry pi was designed with learning programming in mind, based around python mainly, I though it would be a nice way to get introduced back to programming. There are a LOT of great tutorials for using it's GPIO too just like arduino, so you shouldn't have too much trouble with that. The only drawback I see is the fact that it uses 3v3 logic and in my opinion that makes simple things a little more risky with a lot of components being 5v, like servos. That being said since the OP was looking for an easy way to learn programming and basic electronics (not necessarily remote control a semi-complex robot) the pi is pretty good.

Also being ~1/3 the cost of the Yun is nice

The level shifting is not all that hard to do with discrete MOSFETs or a level shifting IC.
Though be careful with timing sensitive I/O on the Raspberry Pi with Python. It can insert delays.

For the matter of ways to get back into embedded programming it's hard to beat the price of an old Android telephone with touchscreen and accessories built in. It might be nearly free except for the energy to break inertia and pick it up.

Physics - nothing is really free