> This brings up another question I have.  How to people (hobbyist)
prototype
> with surface mount parts?

For protyping I try to avoid them, although you often can't or shouldn't
for other reasons.  For parts that don't need to be programmed, I solder
them to the board and deal with problems as they arise.  For programmable
parts we use transition sockets that bring the surface mount footprint out
to something that can be socketed.  Microchip sells transition sockets for
most (all ?) of their PIC packages for use with the ICE-2000.


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