Where to buy stuff

This list is intentionally non-exhaustive so as to make it approachable to the beginner.

Miscellaneous electronics
Local stores (San Francisco Bay Area)

• Al Lashers, Berkeley (extremely knowledgeable staff)
• Electronics Plus, San Rafael (extremely knowledgeable staff)
• Radio Shack (last resort)

South Bay

• HSC Electronics Supply (AKA Halted) (Surplus, extremely knowledgeable staff)
• Fry’s
• Jameco

Online

• Digikey
• Mouser
• Newark Electronics
• Jameco:
  • multiple “favorites” lists allow some organization but can add to a shopping cart only from one favorite list at a time
  • order history very useful
• MPJA:
  • wish-list, but only one
  • no history
  • hard to save order or cut-and-paste
• Circuit Specialists:
  • good price on rotary switches
  • best price on solderless breadboards
• BG Micro
  • cheap 100 ohm speakers
  • order history
  • multiple lists, which can be mailed or even made public
• Electronix Express
  • Great price on some things but very unfriendly website
• Parts Express
  • wish list and order history

Arduino

• Adafruit Industries
• Sparkfun
• Fun Gizmos
• Maker Shed