PICAXE is a neat entry-level microcontroller system that is relatively cheap to get started with. The chip is programmed with a simple serial connection and the BASIC development environment is free! PICAXE has some excellent educational applications and support, and is a great entryway into more complicated embedded systems. If you're look for a place to start with microcontrollers, PICAXE is a great way to go!

The PICAXE-08M offers:

• Up to 1800 program lines
• Works on supplies as low as 1.8v, ideal for 2-cell, 3v battery packs and applications
• 28 general purpose byte registers
• 6 I/O pins
• 4-way multi-tasking
• 255 gosub routines stack
• 3 ADC's
• New time variable that counts elapsed time
• 256 bytes of EEPROM
• 32MHZ hax speed
• Supports ring tones, servos, digital temperatue sensors, infra-red I/O on any pin
• Supports DAC, SR latch, hardware serial commands, I2C and motor pwm control