> The followup question which has been asked before: If > this is about
getting code into a chip, how in any way
> will this project be better, different, or more useful than
> the myriad ways that already exists to get code into a
> chip?
> Everything from the PICSTART+, to the WISP628, to
> NOPPP, to TLVP, to ICD, etc. If it does what
> everything else does, then what's the reason d'etre?

Because if the PBK is a ready constructed cheap programmer then beginners
will buy it rather than trying to make their own PCBs up for NOPPP/TLVP etc
etc... Beginners would therefore have less problems with programming. We
could effectively make the other programmers redundant. I counted over 15
parallel port PIC programmers when I was deciding which one to build. If we
made the PBK cheap enough, ready finished and guaranteed to work, then
newbies would go for it. Don't forget most newbies have one specific project
in mind and it's often simple (therefore cheap). They won't spend loads on a
development kit that costs lots more than the rest of the project. They'll
build a NOPPP/TLVP etc and then buy the Designer for the second project
if/when the bug bites (which for sure it will). Or rather they'll build a
NOPPP/TLVP etc still have problems with it and then buy the Designer (for
the second project) by which time they'ld know enough to make a proper job
of building the programmer in the first place making the whole thing
slightly superfluous.
Sure the designer kit sounds great and if the price is right I'm buying one
but thats because I'm no longer a newbie (slightly subjective I agree!).....

Ben

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