Atmel / AVR USB hardware programmer, debugger?

[cosminprund]

I've only played with PIC microcontrollers, now I want to try the AVR's! I want to buy an USB hardware programmer that's capable of doing ISP (in system programming). I'm hoping to find the equivalent of the Microchip ICD2! Since I've never played with AVR's before it's difficult for me to evaluate my options, so I'm asking for your help.

Is this the programmer I'm looking for?:
AVR Dragon: http://www.atmel.com/dyn/products/tools_card.asp?tool_id=3891

It appears to support a wide range of devices, it has ISP capability and it has some debugging capability. Any other suggestions? Thanks!

[MaltiK]

You could get the AVR Dragon for $40, but you could also get the easier to use, cheaper USBTiny ISP Programmer

 http://www.ladyada.net/make/usbtinyisp/

Its cheaper, easier to use in my opinion (yes I had the Dragon) and is open source!!

[Admin]

There are many different types of programmers depending on the features you require. I remember seeing some that are $200+. Do you just need something basic or you need more?

Or if you don't want to bother buying a programmer, you can buy microcontrollers with USB bootloaders on them.

My Axon for example comes pre-loaded with a bootloader, but still allows optional ISP support.

[pomprocker]

I use the AVRISPMK2 and I love it. Its around $30-$35

[MaltiK]

I use the AVRISPMK2 and I love it. Its around $30-$35

Where did you get it for that much?!?!?!

they go for $80-150!!!

[airman00]

I use the AVRISPMK2 and I love it. Its around $30-$35

Where did you get it for that much?!?!?!

they go for $80-150!!!

digikey

[cosminprund]

Oops, my topic and I forgot to provide feedback. In the end I got an AVR DRAGON - it was the cheapest option on farnel.
Thanks everyone.

[MaltiK]

I use the AVRISPMK2 and I love it. Its around $30-$35

Where did you get it for that much?!?!?!

they go for $80-150!!!

digikey

http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Detail&name=ATAVRISP2-ND

thats the only AVR Programmer I could find on the site and thats not a Mk2, and it doesnt have atmega8 as a compatible MCU

[airman00]

and thats not a Mk2, and it doesnt have atmega8 as a compatible MCU
[/quote
Sure as hell looks like one 

It is the MKII - I have that exact programmer and use it with Atmega8s , its the MKII