I doubt the wifi board offers the functionality you'll need. The general IO pins on the wifi board aren't really intended for stuff like servos, I2C, SPI, or other advance sensors. And programming them will be hell, unless you're an expert in programming.
You might be able to get some temp sensors, or some range sensors working, but that's about it.
It probably wouldn't have a very easy programming language, because you can't just program it like you would a micro controller.
Because it's programming also controls it's wifi, so if you touch that, you could easily brick the whole thing.
You'd have to learn how to program the wifi adapter, for it's original use, before you can add any functionality, so you don't destroy the thing.
Also these wifi boards REQUIRE and external programmer. Though they are command configurable, they are not command programmable. So you need to buy their
developer kits.
Look under "Writing your own firmware"
You'll need to contact them for prices, but i can guaranty they aren't cheap.
It's intended to be paired with a micro controller.
I'd suggest the basic atom pro over the basic atom.
Now that we got that covered, i use a bluetooth uart adapter, which also has general IO pins that can be programmed, and like the wifi adapter, i can use them, but if i goof up even a tiny bit, the bluetooth adapter is gone.
Where as the basic atom pro, you can repeatedly flash it until everything is working just right.
So if you do go wifi, pair it up with a micro controller like the basic atom pro.
The wifi is just a link, it won't offer the functionality, or compatibility of the basic atom pro.
Generally you just set the configuration with serial commands and forget it, set and forget, just plug it in and let it link up.
By the way, i tried reprogramming my bluetooth adapter to act as it's own micro controller, but that was some seriously advance stuff, everything was done in hex. The basic atom/pro comes with the basic atom studio, which makes programming the microcontroller a breeze.
Programming bluetooth adapters is all manual, in hex. I can't speak for sure about the wifi adapter though.
If you're like me, trying to save money, get a basic atom pro 28, and a bluetooth uart adapter.
If you're good at soldering.
Bluetooth UART adapterpaired with
Logic level converterThey take about 5 minutes or less to configure, they are fast and very easy to use. And they connect easily to a USB bluetooth dongle, which you can buy online for $15 at newegg if you don't already have one.
Class 1 usb bluetooth dongleBluetooth serial adapters, show up as virtual com ports. When connected, your computer will treat it like a real com port.
I apologize, i never meant to give you the impression the roving networks wifi dongle will act as it's own micro controller. And yes, if you're an expert programmer, it should be possible, but if you're on a budget like i am, then it's not gonna happen. The Dev kits are not going to be cheap.
Also if you have less than 10 years of hex programming, or other programing language experience i'd suggest against trying to program it yourself. And just use it as a serial link to a different micro controller.
If you tell me your budget, and what parts/tools you already have, i can help you get started. Help you find parts within your budget.
Also let me know what your project goal is. There are plenty of experts in the basic atom, here at basic micro and at the
http://www.lynxmotion.net forums that would love nothing more than help someone get started.