Comment Re:Big difference between an Arduino and a 555 (Score 1) 80
Although what you say is true, Arduino being a "toy" isn't exactly a bad thing.
I liken it to hardcore Linux users' disdain for Ubuntu. (I'm obviously making a sweeping generalization here, one that might not even be accurate, but I feel it's an apt comparison.)
It may not be the most efficient or the most technical or the most powerful, but it opens up a lot of new avenues for those that decide to try it out.
I ordered an Arduino starter kit last summer and a couple of books just for the hell of it and had a blast. Sure, I might not know much about electronics, but I didn't need to. If I want to learn more about a particular subject I'm free to explore more deeply.
I think that's the real power of Arduino right there.