I bought two of these, one pre-assembled and one kit. Since I have zero soldering experience, I can test code on the fully functional one and work on soldering with the kit. Once the kit works as well as the assembled, I can give the assembled away and keep the kit as my trophy.
It's difficult to objectively value all the pieces/parts, however its roughly $60 (assembled) and $70 (DIY). Given that the vendor has these at MSRP for $105 (assembled) $95 (DIY), the assembled is the obvious better deal, but neither of these are bad deals. Factor in shipping, which, for me, is 1/3 as much through MD than the vendor website (YMMV) and the deal is even sweeter.
If MD can get the price lower on the DIY, that's great! However, I'm not mad at them for the deal as is.
It's difficult to objectively value all the pieces/parts, however its roughly $60 (assembled) and $70 (DIY). Given that the vendor has these at MSRP for $105 (assembled) $95 (DIY), the assembled is the obvious better deal, but neither of these are bad deals. Factor in shipping, which, for me, is 1/3 as much through MD than the vendor website (YMMV) and the deal is even sweeter.
If MD can get the price lower on the DIY, that's great! However, I'm not mad at them for the deal as is.