Microchip controllers are very cheap, and the tools needed to start developing applications are the cheapest existing today! All you need is the ICD2 Programer/Debuger tool, about 200 USD, and a good tutorial book. The ICD2 is a tool which you can use for a very large range of Flash processors (possibly over 200), and the tutorial book explains how to write firmware for any microcontroller of the Microchip family. Even more; the tutorial book I am referring to comes with a Hardware Companion Kit which helps you write and test all your future firmware programs! Check this site:
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Do not worry: you will learn this new exciting technology, the easy way!