In general, these chips can really take a beating. It's a real kindness for newbs like me.

Before I switched to ICSP, and was removing the chips from the board to re-program, I occassionally got them in backwards. It's really funny how your nose gets tuned to the "hot" smell. I never wrecked a chip but I sure warmed their behinds! Sadly micro mmc cards are not so tough, you just hear a little pop and it's game over--no magic smoke or anything.

Cheers,
Doc.