>  If you are looking specifically for one for the 18
> series, they have a demo version of C18, which is reputed to be a full
> version, and when the demo period runs out you just re-install it to get
> another demo period. It also has what appear to be a complete set of
> libraries, but I am only going by the documentation I have downloaded. I
> have not yet hit the road with C on PIC chips.


I am using it for projects right now...

Everything said is true...simply install and use.  No limitations other than the
60 day operational period...re-install after 60-day period (although it seems
much longer than 60 days to me, but I'm not counting).  The install wizard doesn't
even touch other files/projects in the mcc18 directory, so there's absolutely
NO pain in the re-install...just keep the zipped demo around after install and re-run
when the message pops-up....don't even need to "un-install."

Libraries included for LOTS of basic functions, I2C, LCD, PWM, Analog, etc...

Get the latest version from MCHP site, I think it's the 2.20a...I had some
difficulty with the 2.20 version which I posted here a month or so ago...this dissapeared
when I re-installed the 2.20a version (they also have different modification dates).

There was a recommendation here that new-comers skip the 16 series and
start directly at the 18 series due to it's ease of use....  I did that
and I can testify that I'm quite happy....In fact, I don't think the beginner
could do any better than getting the PICDEM2+ combo pack with the ICD2...  Just
install the C18 compiler afterwards and you are up-and-running for only $200.00 or so.

Doing C on the 18F452/458/8720 chips is MUCH easier than assembly on the 16F84/877.
I tried that about 2 1/2 years ago and stopped in frustration.

The C18 compiler along with the ICD2 makes me want to use 18F chips in EVERYTHING...

Perhaps that's what MCHP had in mind?

DD

--
http://www.piclist.com hint: The PICList is archived three different
ways.  See http://www.piclist.com/#archives for details.