for a remote XBee (which will not be attached to an Arduino) do I need the “XBee Explorer Regulated”? http://www.littlebirdelectronics.com/pr … lated.html. Or can I just plug say 3 x AA batteries directly into the XBee itself?
Check the Data sheet for the voltage range the XBee can accept. If the battery stays within that range then you don’t need a 3.3V regulator to power the XBee.
Sparkfun also has a breakout board for the XBee. This does make it easier to connect wires to the XBee.