Although a neophyte, I am impressed with Microchip altogether.
It only makes sense to offer tools ( like MPLAB ) for free.
I'm sure it incurs costs to maintain, but I'm sure that their
component sales ( their core business ) are much better
for it.
Why would anyone spend so much money to acquire a
development kit - specific to a brand of micros - when Microchip's
are free.  It seems to me a marketing mistake....who's chips
will you buy once you obtain the development equipment, anyway?
Due to Microchip and their "generosity" with development
tools, beginners / hobbyists like myself can ( relatively ) easily get
started in the field.  Also free usually equates to more support,
development, etc.etc.  It's the hobbyist culture.  It almost seems
that other micro manufacturers *intend* to exclude beginners /
hobbyists...why is that?

D.



>From: "Michael Hagen" <picdog@dslextreme.com>
>Me too, I like MPLAB!
>
>The PicStart+ has always been my favorite programmer for development.  Does 
>everything right inside MPLAB.
>They have done a good job of keeping up the device list.
>
>I have been using MPLAB since the '80s and it has gotten a lot better each 
>year.  Other software I have tried is always full of bugs.
>
>Microchips support used to be real good, just a phone call away.   Lately 
>they have gone to an email system that has not been as good from my 
>experience.
>
>I will have to throw away a Parallax programmer and Emulator because of no 
>support.  I have about $1000 worth of their junk.
>
>I would like to know what is so bad about MPLAB?




Artificial Intelligence is no match for Natural Stupidity.


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