> The problem is just about everything will be surface mount, which
> isn't very hobbyist friendly

Still a surprising amount that's through-hole though. You never can
tell what's inside, new or old. I find that appliances with complicated
digital functions, like computers, comms gear, CDs, DVDs etc, and
restricted space tend to be SMT. Analogue appliances like TVs,
VCRs, stereos, PC PSUs, with more room, tend to be though-hole

Jason should also invest in a breadboard. Even a small one, 50 x 10,
will make experimenting a lot easier, and no soldering needed

Plus a few crystals, + caps, and resonators
-- 
http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive
View/change your membership options at
http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist