> Also, you can get the Microchip MPLAB development environment
> for free - I haven't used it either, but it appears that the
> learning curve is rather steep on this jobber.

I don't know where you got this opinion from, but I disagree.  I exclusively
use the Microchip tools for PIC development.  Yes, like all tools, they have
their own unique set of limitations and annoyances.  However, I don't
consider a steep learning curve to be one of them.  I absolutely recommend
that beginners start with the official Microchip tools, and start with
assembler.  Once you know the chip and know the tools and understand their
strong and weak points, then you can go around looking for third party
solutions and perhaps a compiler if you need/want that.


********************************************************************
Olin Lathrop, embedded systems consultant in Littleton Massachusetts
(978) 742-9014, olin@embedinc.com, http://www.embedinc.com

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