ICD 2 as a gift for PIC beginner

[Sideshow Bob]

My nephew is learning about PIC microcontrollers at school. And he want some equipment for xmas. I can get a brand new ICD 2 which the price is knocked off 82% so it is a real barging. They sell Pickit 2 for more. I Know ICD 2 will not support new MCU or dsPIC devices released after September 2010. But does this really matter much(I think he will use about 1 or 2 years to wreck it anyway ) I think it still will be cool gift Any thoughts about this? A PICKIT 3 debug express is somewhat over my budget, as I aslo have something else for him.

[Magnox]

Sorry that I didn't see this post a few days ago. I hope you got him the programmer - I don't think it would really make a difference that the latest devices aren't supported.

I still mainly use my first-model ICD-U40, which doesn't support anything other than 3.3V or 5V devices and certainly not dsPIC. It doesn't hold me back from doing what I want. Besides, with a good programmer to start with, he could always build himself a new programmer as his skills and needs develop.

Sometimes, a 'limitation' can be a trigger for innovation and learning (I spent nine years as a head of science in a high school )