Anyone play with PIC microcontrollers in the T.C. area?

I see that starting sometime in 2005 they have programmers that are
USB 2.0 capable and they also have a few new processors that are also
capable of experimenting with USB 2.0.

I see there is a group called gnupic.org which are writing some com-
pilers for the PIC, so that you have open source alternative.

I'm on a limited budget, but have lots of time for awhile, so I'd like
to GET IT RIGHT the first time (more likely the fourth time) as opposed
to the more-expensive-sixteenth-time.

Has anyone tried any of these?

Thanks in advance.
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