Hi guys,

I know this is an 8052 chat forum and all, but being that most of my embedded work thus far has been 8051 based, I figure that I would respect the opinions of you folks more than anywhere else.

I have a few applications that really could benefit from a microcontroller with a few beefier features. Although I find the 8051 practical in 99% of my work, occasionally I have something where an ARM based controller happens to fit the gaps perfectly. However, I have never used one. I've been contemplating looking into an eval board to get a feel for the ARM7 and ARM9E family. Specifically, the LPC2000 family.

1) If you frequently use 8051 micro's but occasionally use an ARM controller, has ARM micro development been pleasant? What's the good\bad with these?
2) Looks like most if not all are JTAG so emulator costs are minimum. I like this.
3) Have you used all the various tools? What do you recommend? IAR? Keil w/GCC? Keil w/Realview? Realview?
4) Any experience with the Philips family?
4) Any other advice is appreciated!


Thanks,
Bruce