[k2enemy]

Check out NerdKits (http://www.nerdkits.com/)

It includes all the hardware to build a simple microcontroller kit, along with step by step assembly instructions. The best part is that the instructions also explain why you are doing what you are doing.

[wiradikusuma]

this is great, but now that we have Raspberry Pi, i'm more interested with using it as starting point. simply because, well, it's a computer (something programmers familiar with).

EDIT: bonus point if the book/tutorial can relate with concepts in software development, e.g. "this is equal to a compiler, and this is how you put breakpoints and run debugger"

[pmelendez]

I found that for very beginners Arduino is easier though. It's also cheaper than the RPi/Gertboard combo. In any case both are a good way to start. :)

[veemjeem]

Maybe you could have the best of both worlds with something like the alamode:

http://baldwisdom.com/category/raspberry-pi/alamode/