> 1 - The bootloader is one more thing between you and the bare PIC,
>     which can get you into trouble if you don't fully understand it.
> 
> 2 - You need at programmer at least once in the beginning to get the
>     bootloader in.
> 
> 3 - Sooner or later you're going to screw up, and then you'll need a
>     programmer again anyway.
> 
> 4 - Programmers are cheap compared to all the other lab equipment you
>     should have to learn with and debug circuits with PICs.

I think these arguments are much less valid in a classroom setting than 
for an individual person.

1. When the introduction includes the bootloader concept all 
misunderstanding should be avoidable.

2. No problem, one pcikit2 or similar per classroom would be sufficient.

3. see 2.

4. True for an advanced course that includes design and/or building of 
hardware, but not necesarrily for a first course which aims at simple 
programming.

-- 

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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