I just got inconvenienced by my paid copy of Hi-Tech
> PICC and I think I should jump ship for my sanity and
> also the future maintainability of the code I write.
> 
> I want something that's not going to be too far off in
> terms of syntax. Something that's fairly efficient.
> Current target is 16F884.


Why don't you go a little rad and check out the C compiler at MikroElektronika here:

http://www.mikroe.com/

I am a registered user of their Pascal compiler and have had good support. My target is the 16F877A. All of their compilers are under active upgrading and there is a large user community and decent forums. They support C, Pascal and Basic. You can try before you buy as well. Read some of the posts in the C forum and if you register yourself in the forum area you can post there as well. 

Vic


-- 

*____________________________________________________________________________________________*

*Victor Fraenckel
KC2GUI
victorf ATSIGN windreader DOT com**
*


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