John,

(after doing a lot of reading I conclude)
There's too much focus on programmer hardware.

The 'cutting edge' is in the software.  (so you got some great 
answers already)

There are MANY controller types and sizes now. It's impossible to 
cover (study) all.
Try to make an educated guess on what you want to achieve (what
projects, what controllers).

Look if the (updated) software supports your chosen controllers.
If yes (quite likely), you have all you need. Put your money in 
an old sock for that programmer that is still to be invented 
(they are coming for sure!).

The most asked question is not about (obsolete) hardware but "Is
controller so-and-so supported?"
The cutting edge is in the software.

Herman in PHL.

John Nall wrote:

>I've been gone from the Piclist for a couple of years (had to go out
>into the cruel world and earn some money) and am just now ready to get
>back into the swing of things.  I have been reading the mail for
>awhile (as befits such a humble person) and looks like a lot of new
>things out there.  When I left, I had a Wisp628 programmer, which I
>thought was just fine and dandy.  But I feel sure that technology has
>passed me by and that I probably need a new programmer in order to use
>the new Microchip products..  Would appreciate any hints on what the
>best for the money is these days.  I do this for a hobby, use both
>Windows XP and Linux, and although on somewhat of a tight budget, it
>is not bare-bones by any means.
>
>Thanks for any suggestions.
>
>John
>
>  
>



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