CCS workshop compiler-Choosing 13 chips from PIC18/PIC24

[djsb]

I'm trying to get together a list of 13 chips from the PIC18 and PIC24 range for experimenting with. I have so far chosen the following

PIC18F2550 (Open PIC programmer original PIC)
PIC18F45K50(Open PIC programmer ALTERNATIVE)
PIC18F26K22
PIC18F26Q10
PIC18F46K22
PIC18F97J60 (My favourite so far because of Ethernet and external memory. USB as well would be nice)
PIC24FJ128GA010 (used in Di Jasio book and Explorer16 board)
PIC24FJ64GB202 (Used in Udamonic Scamp 3 FORTH board)
Just added
PIC18F55Q71 ?
PIC18F56Q71 ?
DSPIC33EP512GM710
PIC24FJ64GB002

My main emphasis at the moment is to get exposure to as many of the PIC18 Peripherals (and CCS supporting functions) as possible. I've mostly based my selection on Internet of things suitability (EG Ethernet and USB connectivity is useful) and plenty of code space. Ability to drive a 64 segment LCD would be a nice plus. The more I look through the PIC18 range, the more confused I get, as there is a dizzying range of options. I'm wondering how best to add the remaining 3 PICS to my selection. Any favourites I've missed? I've not looked in any depth at the PIC24 range yet. Maybe I've missed a few hidden Gems? How do you mostly go about choosing the right PIC? Thanks.


P.S I already have the PCM compiler for the 16F range. Cant justify the over £200 for the full PCH compiler. Hence, the workshop option seems best.

[Ttelmah]

Remember the workshop compiler comes 'with' support for 13 chips. Every
extra chip is another $20. So why not start by seeing how many of your
possibilities can be removed, by using the already supported chips?.
The 24J11, for example, might well do the things, you are listing a couple
of chips to do.

[djsb]

Ttelmah,
Thanks for your reply.
This is the reply to am email I sent earlier enquiring about choosing my own devices

[Ttelmah]

Interesting.
That is not how it is normally sold (it normally ships with 13 standard
devices). That is an option that makes it very good value.
I do wonder though if you might get rid of some of the devices that
can each be programmed to to the jobs of others, and add more in
different footprints. However you do say that you already have PCM,
and this would give more flexibility here.
For the extras, look at something small and simple in the PIC24's.
Say the 24FJ64GB002, and then something powerful in the PIC33's.
Perhaps the PIC33EP512GM710. This is a super powerful chip.

[djsb]

I've gone and bought the PCH command line compiler. I love this compiler so much that it's worth the money. Just hoping that I can actually buy the silicon to try it out on. We shall see.