I'm just about to get started with PICs and there is one thing that is causing me trouble - which one to use ? Sure I can work out how many io pins I want, do i want an internal oscillator, etc, etc but even then there still seem to be a plethora of choices.

Any advice on which one to get started with ? PIC16F628 for an 18pin and what about an 8pin "favourite" ?

Thanks, Andrew