Cheap µC boards to discover embedded programming ?

[Gerhard]

Hello,

I want to learn to program micro controllers but I don't know how to
start. I've seen some development kit from manufacturers but I think
most are too expensive. On the other hand, searching for "atmega" on
eBay, I found those (http://tinyurl.com/2sbuvz) cheap board that seem
powerfull. They seem complete, with everything needed to program them.
Do you think they are a good deal ? Is buying in asia the key ? Do you
know other better "sub-or-around" $100 dev kits ?

Jean

If you are interested in an ARM development, have a look at
http://www.futurlec.com/ET-ARM_Stamp.shtml and $24.90
http://www.futurlec.com/ET-ARM_Stamp_Board.shtml $24.90
The ARM Stamp module is a Philips LPC2119 Microcontroller with 128kb
Internal Flash that plugs into a real flexable ARM prototyping carrier
board.
Carrier board has RS-232, JTAG and LCD interface sockets.

If you are into Atmel AVRs see (slightly cheaper than the ARM)
http://www.futurlec.com/ET-AVR_Stamp.shtml and $19.90
http://www.futurlec.com/ET-AVR_Stamp_Board.shtml $24.90
The AVR Stamp module is an Atmel ATMega128 Microcontroller with 128kb
Internal Flash that plugs into the real flexable AVR prototyping carrier
board.
Carrier board has RS-232, JTAG and LCD interface sockets.

I think these are real good value for money.
Their mail order service was good (2 ARMs

Enjoy

Gerhard van den Berg
CSIR