Re: where to start learning about PIC's in this huge sea of
I would say to start with the newer devices, like 18F252. The 16F84 is quite old and although learning it will still teach you the basics, the 18F parts work differently. Why not learn on something more modern that is more likely to be used in new designs?
Microchip are scheduling release of many new varients of the 18F range, including ones with built-in USB
Do you know you can get free samples from Microchip, depending on your country? They will send you up to 5 types, 3 of each type. Just don't try to abuse their system, they check for multiple accounts etc and will stop delivery to the
whole postal area!
If they will send to where you are, get a few 16F84A, 16F877A, 18F252, 18F452 to play with. Very simple programmers are available for all of them (just search here or the web).
A final point, if you really want to learn about the devices, learn their architecture and assembly language before moving to C or BASIC. You will have a
much better insight into how they work and be able to code much better in higher-level languages, optimising your code for the underlying architecture.
Cheers,
FoxyRick.