Compiler for PICs

[joe61]

Since Microchip brought out MPLABX (which runs on Linux) I've been looking into doing something with a PIC processor to see what they're like. I'm not ready to invest in a compiler though, so I'm wondering if someone out there can give me an opinion about the free versions available.

The HI-Tech compiler seems most promising (without knowing much about any of the options), has anyone here used it, and can give an opinion? I know the optimizer is crippled, but I'm not too worried about that at this point.

Thanks

Joe