A solderless breadboard with connector breakout boards can also be used instead of a baseboard. It provides a bit more flexibility and is easier to connect custom external hardware, ICs, and sensors than a baseboards. The more expensive breadboards such as the ones from 3M and Global Specialties do tend to last a bit longer under extreme use and have a sturdier base than the less expensive ones, but it is not clear if it is worth the increased price especially if it is only used occasionally.

See handbook Breadboard if you are not familiar with how to use a breadboard. An mbed module with several breakout boards requires a medium to large size breadboard. Servos and motors will need an external power source, so a breadboard with power terminals can come in handy for any projects that require more current than a USB cable can provide (460MA) . The size seen below has worked well for students working on a variety of mbed projects.

Here are some sources for solderless breadboards:

USA

http://parts.digikey.com/1/parts-cats/solderless-breadboards-prototyping-products

http://www.globalspecialties.com/premium-prototyping-boards/externally-powered-breadboard-premium.html

http://www.circuitspecialists.com/level.itml/icOid/6884

http://www.pololu.com/catalog/category/28

http://www.frys.com/category/Outpost/Electronic+Components/Prototype+Board+Equipment+&+Books/Breadboards/?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

UK

http://uk.farnell.com/jsp/search/browse.jsp;jsessionid=QGZ135JFLPVGCCQLCIQZKBQ?N=0&Ntk=gensearch_001&Ntt=solderless+breadboard&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&suggestions=false&ref=globalsearch&_requestid=605565

http://www.maplin.co.uk/search?criteria=breadboard+solderless

http://www.skpang.co.uk/catalog/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=breadboard&x=0&y=0