Hi Erik,

I an currently using the CodeVision AVR compiler, it was only $150. I chose it over the other slightly more expensive compiler (whose name espaces me at the moment) because CVAVR supported the bit variable extension, like my IAR 8051 compiler, whereas the other one didn't. I also felt like I had to check out the inexpensive compiler before I spent the money on IAR. I haven't bought the IAR AVR compiler yet, and don't plan to.

The CVAVR compiler has a code wizard that will generate initialization code for peripherals, as well as internal eeprom access and I2C code. I generally do it myself, but have compared the code occasionally to verify that I've interpreted a spec the same way.

Pavel Haiduc, the guy who wrote the CVAVR compiler, also gives excellent support.

One thing to watch out for on the AVR parts, Atmel has a way of making a register on a new chip look just like the equivalent register on an old one, but the bit names may be changed in name or function, so moving code from chip to another is almost as bothersome as going from AVR to 8051.

Have fun!

Dennis