I'm a first year Computer Science student looking to get started with development for micro-controllers. I'd like to use the 8051, as it's common as dirt, and is used frequently in the real world. There's a good chance I'll be looking to go into embedded development after I graduate; the more practical skills I can teach myself before then.

During my junior or senior year, I'll be taking a PIC micro-controller based embedded design class, so I'd rather not do PIC now; otherwise, I'll be fairly bored during that course.

Most commercial kits I see are for the AVR or PIC series of microprocessors. I'm just looking for something with decent development tools, documentation, and enough add-ons to keep my novice self occupied for the summer.

Any recommendations for an 8051 family kit? I'd like something I can do a decent amount with, without initially purchasing add-ons, if possible. Also, can anyone point me to a good source of a "Grab-bag" of miscellaneous electronics components? I do not have any electronics retailers anywhere near me.

Thanks!