Jay.slovak said:
I agree that 16F88 is more usefull than 16F628 or 16F84 (I use 16F88 where possible), but it's easier for beginners to start with simplier chips like 16F628. I find bootlader *very* usefull, and I highly recomend to implement it once you heve learned enaugh about PICs.
It's the same instruction set. I would say that more learning will get done and faster if you use a chip with a bootloader. You can test out ideas in seconds.
I'm thinking about making a dev board for the 16F88. It'll run a bootloader and have a small breadboard. And I'd run it of 4 rechargable AAs so no messy cord and I could use it with a laptop wherever I want. Lots of times I want to try out a new component or idea and it would be nice to have everything already setup.
Mike