[dcb]

For just getting started w/embedded stuff I would suggest an arduino or clone. They can be had for ~$20 and you will be blinking LEDs and whatnot before you know it.

It isn't hard to outgrow it, but is still a very cost effective learning experience even if you find you need to go to a PIC later on.

I've got a cheap jdm serial PIC programmer, it has been kind of a pain to sort out but I think I've almost got it working.

Note, that adapter will still need an ICSP programmer to connect to it it seems.