>>Of course, you can also buy the  Microchip PICMaster (ICE) at $2490
>>and a PICstart plus (programmer) at  $148.88 to do the same thing
>>for PICs. Every time you need a new  PICMaster probe for a new part,
>>it will also set you back a few hundred  dollars (EVERY Scenix
>>chip has a built-in ICE). Except for the 16F84  PICs, you will also
>>have to throw the parts away after programming, or  use the expensive
>>EPROM version (available in DIP only) that will die if  you
>>write-protect them.

Or you can get a Tech-Tools Mathias at half those prices, with tech support
and follow-on that can't be beat!

>""  here is incorrect, because you can't get any
>Scenix stuff yet. And when you  can, only an idiot would jump right into
>releasing a design with one. There  is going to be a shakedown period that

Very good points for all to consider.

Another very important aspect is using a fab-less vendor vs. one with their
own factories.

>Scenix is
>vapourware  for now and may be useful some time next year only if they can

Could it even just be a charade by a another company looking to feel out
the 8-bit embedded market?  Is Scenix still going to be Scenix in another
year, or will it become a subsidiary of Intel or Atmel or Philips or
National etc.

Andy

==================================================================
Andy Kunz - Montana Design - 409 S 6th St - Phillipsburg, NJ 08865
          Hardware & Software for Industry & R/C Hobbies
        "Go fast, turn right, and keep the wet side down!"
==================================================================