How to tell which PICs can handle 16 bit variables?

Hello, I seem to be a little confused on which PICs can use 16 bit variables and which ones cannot. I am interested in using a PIC16F88 with PICBasicPro. The data sheet for the PIC16F88 mentions 16 bit words in memory but I was wondering if that means I can actually use 16 bit variables with this PIC or not.

Is there a general rule on how to find out if a PIC you are interested in can use 16 bit variables?

Thanks.

If it says PIC on the chip, it can handle word sized variables.

Hi, Tamu

I Think you mean Handle 16Bits AT A TIME ...

PICs can virtually handle as much bits as you want ... but only 8 by 8 at a time !!!
More bits need more software handling !!!

Note PBP limit is 16 bits, and 31( or 32 ?) bits for special operations like DIV32 ...

PICs are 8 bits processors = they handle 8 bits by 8 bits ...

but you can also find 1, 4 , 16, 32 ( PENTIUM 3 ) and 64 bits ( PENTIUM 4 ) common processors.
For military use ... more bits available !!!

Alain