>> And AVR parts are _expensive_. I honestly don't see why >> they're popular at all... > >I guess they're a good "first microcontroller" for beginners and >students. They're available in DIP packages, you can build your >own programmer, and the basic development tools are free. >None of those things are true of the MSP430, though I'd readily >admit that the MSP430 is a much nicer device in almost all >respects.
I don't agree on this point. Development tools are available for free (GCC). A programmer may consist of just a RS232 converter or a Serial to USB bridge (like the CP2102 from Silabs) and off you go. How much easier can it be? It does take some experience to solder the devices onto a board though, but it is doable. Nico Coesel
