> I like the speed and features of the SX but worried if they will
> be around in another year!

I think the SX will still be around in a year but it sounds to me
like you would be better all round going with Microchip parts.
There are two main reasons for this opinion.
1) As a beginner, you'd be dropping yourself further in it by having
to create your own peripherals and you will really benefit from the
more mature development environment from Microchip. It makes a much
better learning tool.

2) You have a variety of things that you want to do and there are
many varieties of PICs to choose from. You can spend as much or as
little as the particular task requires.

Steve.

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Steve Baldwin                Electronic Product Design
TLA Microsystems Ltd         Microcontroller Specialists
PO Box 15-680, New Lynn      http://www.tla.co.nz
Auckland, New Zealand        ph  +64 9 820-2221
email: steveb@tla.co.nz      fax +64 9 820-1929
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