I just got my first cygnal development board (toy)and I couldn't beleive how easy to use it or debug your programs in it. There is also the configuration utility that generates optimized code for configuring peripherals, you just click on peripheral you need to configure and cut and paste the code generated.
I can view memory and registers when debugging on pc as if the microcontroller is wide open in front of me which makes programming real easy.
I think it is real good value for money for 99$ which you don't need hardware emulator.
I suggest all beginners of 8051(2) buy this wonderful board for quick learning.
Regards
Mahmood