OK, let's try answering these and see if I can make sense.

Step 1. Buy a model B because the A doesn't have ethernet. If you order via Newark/elelment14 -
http://www.newark.com/jsp/bespoke/bespoke7.jsp?bespokepage=newark/en_US/landing/raspberry-pi/rasp-pi-accessories.jsp&ICID=HP-Raspberrypi-Accessories
- then you'll almost certainly get one made in the Sony factory just down the road from where I was born in Wales.

Step 2. powwweeeeeeeerrrrrrr! Micro-usb power is the cheap way. I bought 2 (because so cheap and just in case one was DOA) via ZYDistro on eBay, item 400318350252 for $4.95 (yes for two chargers, shipped to Canada). Some powered usb hubs can provide 'back power' that works, but not all. It's worth reading 
http://elinux.org/RPi_Hub for some details. I just made a nicer case for my Pi by diggin up an old newerTechnology 'miniStack classic' that used to go with a mac mini ans a port expander and external disc case. Remove the old 3.5" disc, fit Pi, hook up usb hub & power, eventually add a 2.5" disc as well. See https://plus.google.com/107730379469391818270/posts/9oxF5K8sKVK

Step 3. Monitor - I bought an hdmi to DVI cable from the same ZYDistro people. $3.48 shipped! Any monitor that you can drive from an hdmi output will work. I'm using my old HP2025 lcd that Alan gave me in 2004, 1600x1200 res and looks really nice with RISC OS. There *is* a composite output that can be used with ancient TVs. Not recommended if you want to keep your eyes able to focus. HDMI 20" or so TVs seem to be around $80-150 locally. RISC OS can drive almost any resolution that has ever existed.

Step 4. mouse & kbd. any old usb  devices should work. You need a 3button mouse for RISC OS. A scrollwheel will work in many but not all applications (they came out a bit late in the game for a lot of older apps) and Squeak will sometime soon understand them.

Step 5 USB hub. You might be using one for power anyway but if not you'll need one to drive anything like an external disc since the Pi is a bit short on usb output power. Using one to start your 27 litre Cummins diesel in the Tank will not work well. At least, not twice.

Step 5. Case. Pi is naked. Don't put it on a conducting surface when powered up. The magic smoke will escape. I spent a whole $11 to have one shipped from Poland - eBay item 261126108203. But for Chris I'll send that very one as a thank you. (Just email me an address)

Step 6. Whew. Take a break. Drink a coffee or tea.


I have to go out right now but I'll continue this later.

tim
--
tim Rowledge; tim at rowledge.org; http://www.rowledge.org/tim
Useful random insult:- Low on thinking gas.