Hacking Get a free PIC

[nloding]

I guess it's still debatable whether Wiiskas will stand on it's own, but WiiFree is already up to ver 1.2 and is looking very promising. It asks for a PIC12F629 DIP, and they usually run about $0.67USD. However, you can get up to three free samples from here:

http://sample.microchip.com/Default.aspx?testCookies=true

All you need then is a programmer, and there are some nice JDM Programmers going for about $22USD on eBay right now. So $20 but a constantly upgradable PIC with hex that looks very promising. Or about $11 for Chiip, which is also looking good. Both cheap, open-source solutions.

EDIT: fixed typo