> > > Hello all-
> > >
> > > I have been using a small homeade programmer for some time now, but
the
> > > software I wrote is really weak.  I think it is time for me to upgrade
> >to
> > > a picstart plus. the cheapest I have found one was through digi-key
for
> > > 199 bucks!  does anyone know of a better place to purchase one?  or
does
> > > anyone have any recommendations on a different programer?  thanks
> > >
> > > Sam
> > >
> > >
>
> Sam~
>
>       If you sign up for one of the Microchip seminars (cheeck website for
> the date in your area) you can get the PICSTART Plus programmer for only
> $150. And you'll get to go to a really neat seminar! The only draw back
is,
> is that you have to pre pay for the programmer, and you pick it up at the
> seminar, which I guess sn't really that bad of a drawback. Other than that
> the programmers are $200 EVERYWHERE. I looked all over before I bought
mine.
> Oh and I wouldn't recommend that you purchase a third party programmer,
> stick to the original. There's a certain amount of assurance that one gets
> when they purchase a programmer from the company that produces the chip
they
> want to program if you know what I mean. Hope this info. helps.

I disagree.
I have a Warp programmer and it works just as advertised.  It integrates
with MPLAB and has programmed everything I have thrown at
it.(12509/1684/1673).  It is less expensive, and will program some parts
that the microchip will not (ATMEL/SEEPROMs).  I also think that since it is
a small competitor, customer service and support  are better.  JMHO
John