> > The 16F628(A) and 18F877(A) are
> > viable alternatives. 
> I'd add the 16F88 into this list too.

I meant viable is the sense that a reasonable amount of web coverage
exists for these parts. IMHO the F88 is *not* viable in *this* aspect.
The F628(A) is, but on thechnical arguments alone I would indeed prefer
the F88 as newbie chip (but the 877A even more, because it has plenty of
I/O pins to add a debug LCD or two :) , and this chip *does* haev some
web coverage :)

> The 18F1330 and 18F1320 are 18 pin parts. They are $5.38 USD 
> according to digikey. Still cheaper than a 16F84.

Yes, but that is not releveant. The 18F's don't have the web coverage of
the x84, f628 or f877, and the 18F family lacks the quivalents of the
F676, F629 etc.

> Generally hobbyists are one-off type folks. A couple of dollars isn't
> going to make that much difference on a part.

Judging from what I hear from my customers there are roughly two parts
of hobbyists, typically:
1- teenagers who want more than just modding their PC
2- retired techies who want to get a bite of the uC world

For category two your argument holds. Such guys typically buy a 16F877A,
an 18F4520, or even a 30F. And a Wisp628 kit, build, or even an ICD2. 

For gategory one your argument does not seem to apply. They typically
buy an F84-04, and try to get a serial-port-powered programmer to work.

> Do ARMs come in hobby friendly packages? The dsPIC 30F3013 is 
> available in a 28 pin DIP package. And especially for hobby use, 
> packaging is important.

No, point taken. But you can buy ARM modules with DIP pinout. 

Wouter van Ooijen

-- -------------------------------------------
Van Ooijen Technische Informatica: www.voti.nl
consultancy, development, PICmicro products
docent Hogeschool van Utrecht: www.voti.nl/hvu
 

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