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Breadboard
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 baseboard. 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 - 200MA for mbed). An AC to DC wall adapter with banana jacks can even be used as a low-cost auxiliary power supply. The breadboard size seen below has worked well for students working on a wide variety of mbed projects.

Don't forget the jumper wires, you can never have too many. They always seem to vanish.

Here are some sources for solderless breadboards:
USA
http://parts.digikey.com/1/parts-cats/solderless-breadboards-prototyping-products
http://www.circuitspecialists.com/level.itml/icOid/6884
http://www.pololu.com/catalog/category/28
UK
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