When you're getting started, most of what you're going to do is be hooking up a microcontroller to various inputs and outputs. I'm partial to the ATMega series by Atmel.
I've never used the Arduino, but I've heard tons of good things about them. When you're comfortable with your ability building circuits that aren't permanent, maybe look into a PCB.
I've never used the Arduino, but I've heard tons of good things about them. When you're comfortable with your ability building circuits that aren't permanent, maybe look into a PCB.