these devices are used for automation and experimenting.
and a great way to implement java code
for those of us who like to play with electronics heres a neat little kit to play with.
http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores ... 2121121_-1
i have the arduino uno processor but not the kit shown in the link
but i also have a lot of hardware to work with as well.
these processors are programmed using java code. they have both analog and digital inputs and can be programmed wireless using the bluetooth function from your laptop, tablet pc, or smartphone (android with the java programming app)
really they are a great device for both experimenting and practical use.