Is there a platform to make working with a device like this easier for a HW n00b?
By this I mean, the thought me of trying to solder wire/pins to the connections is very daunting. I can just see me putting a bit too much solder on one pin and it touching the adjoining pin and shorting something out.
Does anyone know if GHI plans on offering this device with the pins soldered on already (kinda like an arduino shield)?
It’s really nothing to be scared of. Just try it once and check your work before applying power 
If you really don’t want to go that far then you can always stick with the version with the plugs 
Yes, the Cerberus (with sockets). That’s the whole idea behind this pair of boards. Prototype with the socketed version, then move to production with the cerb40. Software is exactly the same.
I guess you could solder male headers to the cerb40 and use a 40 pin zif socket like 40-pin ZIF socket : ID 383 : $4.00 : Adafruit Industries, Unique & fun DIY electronics and kits or breadboard to prototype stuff… but then why not just buy the socketed version…
If soldering is not your thing, then I’d recommend the Gadgeteer form-factor, I.E. the Cerberus itself, instead of the Cerb40.
Me, I’ve got a Cerb40 on its way, and two headers will go directly on, pointed down, for breadboardliness of great justice!
Plus, then it’ll fit nicely in a DIP40 socket in its permanent home in my garage. Awesome.
@ godefroi - do you already have you garage/house wired to a dip40 socket, just waiting for this board? That’s some planning ahead!
No, but I DO have a mostly-finished sprinkler controller that this will drop straight into, and the DIP40 form factor will make it MUCH simpler to wire up! 
Well the Ceberus is only $5 more, but the power module is another $10.
Maybe for my comfort level, that would be better.
I know it’s becoming passe, but I still like the Arduino form factor.
It’s telling when even most Arduinos aren’t in the Arduino form factor:
http://www.sparkfun.com/products/10116
http://www.sparkfun.com/products/8164
http://www.sparkfun.com/products/9220
http://www.sparkfun.com/products/10277
https://www.ssl-id.de/b-redemann.de/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=109/
http://beeboard.madefree.eu/doku.php
“Stacking” of shields is a nice concept, but in the real world, unless you have only one shield, you end up worrying about (and working around) a lot of pin overlap. The Gadgeteer solution of separate sockets is MUCH more capable.
@ mhectorgato - the power module gets you safe clean power regardless of what you plug into it (within spec of course). It’s worth the investment if you’re not comfortable making your own power circuit. There’s much less chance of earning a magic blue smoke monster badge Sparky the Magic Blue Smoke Monster - Skill badge, iron-on patch : ID 565 : $3.95 : Adafruit Industries, Unique & fun DIY electronics and kits .
Well this is simple part time hobby for a software dev. I have zero electrics background.
There’s no desire to create a board/module for reuse or to be used for work.
My only project to date is a obstacle avoider, and eventually a copter of sorts.
The only shield I have is a JST adapter to connect to my H-Bridge. Though I’d like some communication so WiFi or XBee is in my future.
So for me, stackable is just fine. I like the programming model of the Arduino style as well.
To each their own, and different projects have different requirements.
It is refreshing to see someone with real-world experience. “Shield” is the coolest thing in my opinion, until you try to add more than one! 3 or more becomes impossible.
I think the idea is clear to almost everyone here. Want something super even fro software guys, Cerberus, want to get your soldering iron dirty, Cerb40. If you ask me, get both! I am sure you will use them both sooner or later.
Correct, more flexible = easier to use = more cost.
One option is to get cerberus + extender module. From there you can use breadboard to wire anything you like, including shield! Or you can use DuinoProto. The modules are there to make things awesome but they are not required.
Understood – not looking to criticize.
Certainly more engineering == more costs.
For me, more costs may mean no purchase. For my projects, it’s one or 2 shields at the max.
I certainly appreciate the modular and “distributed” approach (space-wise) of Gadgeteer very much. These new boards brings that world within reach!