The bootloader works only for PICs with a large flash memory.

A bootloader is a good choice when your product needs often a new software and you let the users or a maintenance person do the software update. You can write your own PC software and give it to your user together with a serial cable. The new software will be loaded through the RS232 port of your product.

In my opinion High Voltage Programming (HVP) through the ICSP connector is a better option for hobby purpose.

Micro Engineering Labs sells low-cost programmers.
http://www.melabs.com/products/epic.htm
The EPIC Plus PICmicro programmer is powered by an AC adapter or two 9-volt batteries. So you can use it anywhere even if there is no AC power around.

When you buy or build a PIC programmer the most important part is its software.

- Which PIC devices are supported?
- Setting of configuration fuses adequately supported for each supported device?
- Setting of configuration fuses correctly implemented for each supported device?
- ICSP connector, ZIF Adapters?
- Windows XP, W2K, Linux or DOS support?
- Serial, parallel, USB? (Link PC to Programmer).
- Help file?
- User's manual?
- Author support?
- Do I get a new version of the software when new PIC devices are released?
- ...
- ...
- ...

Luciano