> >         I disagree. "intelligent" programmers require you to
> > wait for new firmware
> > to support a new part, plus new software. Parallel port
> > versions (and serial
> > port versions with no smarts) just need a software update. Of
> > course, for
> > production a smart programmer is a must IMHO, also "smart"
> > programmers can
> > possibly be quicker. For hobbyists though I think a parallel
> > port programmer
> > is much easier to keep "up to date". TTYL
>
> That is true for the Wisp628 JE was talking about (and probably for most
> other SP programmers too), but I recall that at least one (probably
> USB-bsed?) intelligent programmer can have its firmware updated on the
> fly, which cobines the best of both worlds.

        But again, you are tied to the hardware maker to give you updated firmware,
I don't like being tied down like that, as a hobbiest. My parallel port
programmer (the Davit Tait serial one) is so simple that there is no
modification needed for a newer pic, just wire a new adapter. The only thing
I have to worry about is software support, and IC-Prog has so far been very
"modern" in it's support. The best thing is if IC-Prog doesn't fill my need
there are several other options out there. You just can't get that
"universal" ability with "smart" hardware. TTYL

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