Hi Nathan - -
    I'm also a newbie to the PIC, and here are my experiences in
getting started:
    I bought the PICStart + and am quite happy with it in programming
12508/9, 16F84, and 16c74A.  The included software (MPLAB, MPASM,
MPLINK, and MPLIB) is easy to learn, easy to use, and relatively
bug free.  The documentation is well written and thorough.  The
software and electronic versions of the documentation is available
at no cost from Microchip's web site.  If US$200 is too much money,
there are many other programmers available.
    I bought most (all?) of the available PIC books available in
the US; David Benson's PICn series, Myke Predko's PIC book, and
Prof. Peatman's book.  They are all good, but each is written in
a different style and targets a different reader.

   Peatman: Reads like a college text book.  Excellent if you
            have a good micro-controller background.
   Predko:  Seems to be aimed at the mid-level hobbyist, but has
            a very good intro for the rank beginner.
   Benson:  A great series of books if you need a lot of hand
            holding.

   In some areas I've started with Benson and then worked my
way through Predko to Peatman.  In others I've started with
Peatman and then fallen back only when I needed simpler explanations.

If you do not buy the PICStart +, then be sure to get Microchip's
CD!  All (most?) of the documentation that is available on line,
but much faster and more accessible.

Hope this gives you some help,
 - - - Nick - - -

Nathan Bean wrote:
>
> I'd like to get started in PIC microcontrollers.  However, I don't know
> which programmer I should get.  Is the PicStart Plus worth the money or
> should I get another type (or homebrewed).  Also, what would you recommend
> for a good book?  Easy Pic'n, maybe???
>
> Thanks in advance