I'll shortly start doing experiments using PIC processors - designing
circuits, etc. I'll need some kind of breadboarding system. I'd like some
advice on what to buy.  I see JDR Microdevices and several other supply
houses sell passive solderless breadboards for prices between $3 and $30.
They also sell breadboards with power supplies for about $90, and
progressively more sophisticated "design workstations" adding logic probes,
function generators, DIP switches, and debounced switches for up to $350.
Is this the best way to go, or are perfboards just as convenient ?  Are
there other options ?  Can designs be simulated so well in software that
the breadboard stage can be bypassed ?