Not to continue hi-jacking this thread, but I have to a little. What is so bad about the 16F's? They are easier to configure if you are new to datasheets, work just as well (both 8 bit). OK, less memory, but who needs it for starting out stuff? I have a couple of products running 16f676 that have been going strong now for 8 years I think. Work fine!

I am starting to play with the 18's, but really just because.