TI MSP430 Launchpad for $4.30 – Update
TI just launched a cheap and easy to use development tool based on the MSP430 low power microcontroller. The Launchpad includes a development board, 2 programmable MSP430 micrcontrollers and a mini USB cable.
This is a very slick deal for beginners and hobbyists who wish to learn the chip. The Launchpad wiki is a good place to start. You can order kits by following the clicking the banner on the top of the wiki. You can also order from the TI-eStore or Mouser. Shipping is free from TI!
Update 1(July 02, 2010):
The Makers WorkBench posted details of a short Q&A with TI’s product marketing manager, Adrian Fernandez. He mentions that “Arduinio type shields” for the Launchpad are in the works and the $4.30 price is here to stay!
If this deal is helpful, leave a comment below. :)
It’s very sad to see that they based their SDK on Eclipse, but then went and made it Windows only. I was really hoping that this could have been an Arduino competitor. Shame on you TI!
They have recently started moving all their chip IDEs to Eclipse. TI C2000 code composer studio has also migrated to Eclipse. Linux support should come later as eclipse is java and platform independent. This will take time as they need to create JTAG/Debug drivers for linux. You can see upcoming support for chips at this link.
we are too late in INDIA. I just come to know about this from one seminar. they are giving away free demoboards. But i missed it. :(