Why shouldn't a beginner choose Motorola or Microchip, or start on a 16- or 32-bit part?

I do not think it really matters which one you start with.The low end PIC's seem to be a popular starters choice.

Its a little bit like riding a bike..when you learn one,you can quickly change to another..


Most of the members here will change uP now and then ,dependant on the needs and constraints of the project.

The 8051 has deveoped into an excellent series ,from the cheap versions at the Microchip end on the scale ,through to the very powerful Triscends and Cygnals...