In case you missed the event last year, TI is again putting together a world tour to
showcase their MSP430 MPU (microprocessor). If you attend you get a free lunch and a free board
and I believe all the development software for it.
limited seatings, for a list of locations see
registration info: http://register.ti.com/profile/form/index.cfm?PKformID=0x34785a36&DCMP=430Day_Worldwide_2007&HQS=Workshop+PA+430day
Norm
Note: I have no affiliation to TI but I attended the half day seminar last year
and it was quite informative. I am planning to go back this year.
note2: the free USB development board is small, limited in functions but really cool!
note 3: a larger development board sells for $99
(http://focus.ti.com/en/graphics/mcu/msp-exp430fg4618.jpg)
http://focus.ti.com/docs/toolsw/folders/print/msp-exp430fg4618.html (http://focus.ti.com/docs/toolsw/folders/print/msp-exp430fg4618.html)