> When a programmer
> becomes a BCD, the overriding factors become cost and ease of
> construction.

Add: ease of getting it working. 


I think a lot of time>>>money beginners do start with such a simple
programmer, some of it get it to work, but I am afraid some never get it
to work and drop the whole PIC idea. I have no idea of the relative size
of the two groups. So yes, almost-zero-cost programmers are important
for beginners (some might never start with PICs if it were not for these
type of programmers), but I am afraise there are also beginners who
maybe could have afforded a low-end intelligent programmer, but instead
try an almost-ene-cost one, can't get it to work, and drop PICs
altogether.

> That means for ICSP
> development that half your pins are being used as the interface
> for programming durin development.

in most cases that is not needed, a little thinking can find a use for
the ICSP pins. Or use a 14-pin chip as developer for an 8-pin chip. Or
the uChip 'extra-pins' version of the chip.

> Anyway I wrap up with my tagline:
> "PIC Programmers are overrated."

For a specific audience that might be true. But the question is of
course how big and/or relevant that audience is.

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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