>The PIC (17C) uses an ALE, /OE, /WR scheme, and the AVR uses an ALE, /RD,
>/WR scheme.

Is there really any difference except the *naming* of the "/OE" respective "/RD" signal?

I know AVR can be interfaced directly to standard SRAM with only an adress latch.  (Tip: if not using the whole adress space, use an inverter on A15, to map the external SRAM to top adress space, and not waste it on overlapping internal SRAM.

BTW, 32Kx8 seem to be more available, and also cheaper than 8Kx8.

Regards
/Morgan (PIC literate, AVR beginner)