Paul asks if Maplin's were correct in saying
17C4X are no longer available.

Previous replies show they were not.
This is something I have found more and more
often with Maplins, ever since they were taken
over.

I suggest (in UK) you try Electronic Services Ltd.,
their Head Office @ Edinburgh Way, Harlow, Essex,
CM20  2DF  (01279-626777) has a section that
will supply goods on a cwo basis.
As you need their part numbers it is best to get
a copy of their catalogue first (normally free on request).

The current cat. shows 13 versions <each> of -42A, -43 and -44,
some of which are <new>(Jan '98).

In all, they list over a hundred variants of PICs...maybe not the
best prices, but certainly the best selection I've seen!

No......I don't work for them, but I do use their cwo system from time
to time, and do recommend it.

Good luck  ;-)

Peter.