> I was thinking. I have been using PICs for a few times 
> before, and I'm professionally speaking a software guy (up to 
> the edge of hardware, but hobbyist beyond).

Same for me (at least by eduction, I earn most of my living now in
hardware, so maybe I qualify as a hardware professional).

> For myself a 
> simple processor with very advanced software support and easy 
> hardware interfacing (as in, electrically) would be the ideal 
> solution. That rules out any devices I can't solder (BGA, 
> TQFP), devices with near-none software support (BASIC stamps) 
> and devices with complex hardware interfacing (FPGA's with 
> softcores).

DSpic and its derivatives use a GCC compiler, but it was
modified/augmented by Microchip, so I dunno whether it could succesfully
do C++.

ARM (or MSP430?) would be ideal, except for the packaging. Shout after
me: "Why can't anybody make an ARM chip in a DIP with 5V I/O and decent
I/O drive?" (single-5V supply would be nice too). 

Note that there are lots of ARM evaluation boards around, and soldering
an 48 or even 64 pin package is not that bad. I (and probably lots of
other sources) sell SMD-to-DIP adpater boards, so you can fit an ARM
into a solderless beradboard if you want.

> I'm expressly not out to somebody telling me C++ in a 512 
> byte device is bollocks, I know that you can make C++ act 
> like a pig but I also know that you can make it work like a fairy.

in 512 bytes RAM? I don't see the problem. 512 bytes FLASH would be a
bit small for using fancy inheritance, but C++ is (also) a better C, so
it is
still usefull.

> What kind of device would I be best off with?

My current choice is ARM, but I admit the packaging (and electrical
interface) is still a big problem.

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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