I don't know what Microchip's philosphy is, but some months back I complained on a newsgroup that the only way to get Analog Devices DDS chips was via samples, and I felt uncomfortable asking for samples when I had no intention of going into production, ever. An Analog Devices rep responded that it was the intent of their sample program to cater to hobbyists as well as folks designing for the megamillions. They felt the costs of invoicing onesey-twosey, along with the good will they get by sampling hobbyists, more than offset the cost handing out a few chips - even the $40-60 dollar types of chips that AD makes. Microchip parts are widely available, and a whole bunch cheaper than AD stuff, so I really don't know what their philosophy is. It's awfully easy to get their stuff from DigiKey. But it is quite possible that they are thinking something similar. 72/73 de WB8RCR http://www.qsl.net/wb8rcr didileydadidah QRP-L #1446 Code Warriors #35 ----- Original Message ----- From: "Richard Zinn" To: Sent: Thursday, April 15, 2004 3:43 PM Subject: Re: [PIC/AVR] PIC vs AVR (ATMEL) > Does Microchip purposefully cater to hobbyists? I don't understand that > sample policy all that well... They must lose a lot of money to > manufacturing and shipping so many samples to hobbyists. When probably 1 in > 1000 hobbyists ever build something that is produced in mass quantity - > enough to make Microchip any money. -- http://www.piclist.com hint: To leave the PICList mailto:piclist-unsubscribe-request@mitvma.mit.edu