Quote Originally Posted by Acetronics View Post
...
looked Melabs had no real project for 16 bits
...
I wouldn't make a statement like that (EDIT: Until Microchip closes the production line or issues a formal statement).

http://www.microchip.com/en_US/family/16bit/index.html

Microchip’s 16-bit, PIC24 MCUs and dsPIC® Digital Signal Controllers provide designers with an easy upgrade path from 8-bit PIC® microcontrollers and a cost effective option to 32-bit MCUs. The broad product line includes everything from eXtreme Low Power microcontrollers to high performance digital signal controllers. Combined with hardware and free software these 16-bit products make the design of Control, mTouch™ Sensing, Graphics, Connectivity, Digital Power Conversion, Smart Sensing and Motor Control solutions easy to implement.