Raspberry Pi
Some info about cables, etc.
Power
The Raspberry Pi needs power; basically you need a USB power supply ending in a male MicroUSB cable. The Model A can run on as low as 300ma but generally the Model B needs at least 700ma. Take this time to make sure your power supply, if you have one, provides enough power. Remember 1000ma=1A, etc. Also your PSU should be more or less 5V.
Acquiring a Power Supply
Guess what, you might have a power supply even if you think you don't!
For example:
Micro, not Mini
You want MicroUSB. The bigger connector in the picture is the wrong one, i.e. MiniUSB.
Don't forget the obvious
You'll need a mouse and keyboard, preferably standard USB models that identify as generic Human Interface Devices. Just to be on the safe side, on first boot, don't bring out the wireless ones just yet.
You'll need an SD Card
Get an SD Card to store the operating system for your Pi on. It can be basically any SD Card, but avoid Class 10 cards, and if you are using Fedora, do not use a MicroSD card in an adapter. For most distros, go
bigger than 2GB.
Display/Output
You're going to want a nice display with your Pi. If your monitor has inputs for HDMI, DVI, or Composite (RCA), then you'll have a nice easy time. If your monitor only has a VGA/15-pin D-sub input then you'll have a terrible time.
Easy Display Connections
HDMI - This is a digital interface used by HDTVs and many new monitors. Simply plug one end into the Raspberry Pi, and the other end into the TV/Monitor. If supported by the
display, this will also transmit audio.
Composite - Simply plug one end into the Raspberry Pi, and the other end into the TV. This is does not transmit audio and sends low quality, analog video. Nearly all TVs (especially standard definition models) have composite inputs. The picture may be cut off or fuzzy.
DVI-D connections
DVI is a now defunct digital interface. However, the video signal in HDMI is a form of DVI. So, you can pick up a HDMI to DVI-D passive adaptor. This should cost at most $5. Obviously, the HDMI end goes to the Pi, DVI end to the monitor. No sound can be transferred through DVI. Depending on the adaptor, you may need to provide one cable, depending on the gender of each end. DVI does not send audio
VGA Connections
VGA is found on many monitors, and nearly always on older models. It is an analog signal, so you need an active converter to go from HDMI to VGA. This is really expensive. Don't waste your time and don't buy anything that isn't box shaped. (i.e. cables with simply one end VGA and one end HDMI do nothing)
Non-HDMI sound
Connecting to certain speakers and some TVs can be achieved with a 3.5mm to 3.5mm male to male plug.
Connecting to standard-
definition TVs and some
audio systems can be achieved with
a 3.5mm to phono (red+white/red+black)
plug. Depending on the gender of your
plug, additional cables may be needed.
The 3.5mm end goes in the Pi.
Networking
Want to connect to the internet (the easiest way possible) on your Pi. Get an Ethernet cable and plug one end in the Pi (if equipped, has to be Model B) and the other into a router or Ethernet wall socket.
USB Hubs
Your best bet is to get one with an external power supply. The Pi may not be able to provide enough power to all USB devices on its own. If you plan to use a USB external hard drive, you almost definitely need a powered hub.
Bluetooth and Wireless Dongles
Some dongles will have drivers built into the operating system. Some won't. For now, wait and see. Many people have expressed interest in this, but not enough is known at the moment. (Bluetooth can be used for file transfer, wireless keyboards and mice, and WiFi can be used for internet access when a wired connection isn't available or the board is a Model A)
Cases
You'll want a case for your Raspberry Pi. No cases have been formally released yet and avoid buying any cases currently available as the measurements match the beta board, not the normal production model.
Case prototype (3D model) from ModMyPi
More info and pictures to come
So yeah, check the forums often.
http://www.raspberrypi.org - RPi website
http://www.monoprice.com - Good for cables