Choosing between microcontrollers & dev boards comes down to the kind of work you want to start: a focused PIC hardware path or a guided Arduino project package. The Microchip PICkit 2 centers on PIC16F690 development, while the Complete Arduino Starter Kit combines lessons, modules, and beginner-oriented components. The useful decision is whether you already have a specific microcontroller family in mind or want a wider hands-on learning format.
Quick verdict
Choose the Microchip Technology DV164120 PICkit 2 PIC16F690 PIC Microcontroller Starter Kit for a PIC/DSPIC-centered setup with a programmer and prototyping board. Choose the Complete Arduino Starter Kit: Microcontroller, Modules & Tutorials For Beginners for USB projects, more than 28 English lesson links, and a component-led introduction to Arduino. The Arduino kit is priced at USD 44.78, compared with USD 69.00 for the Microchip kit, creating a $24.22 spread.
| Kit | Listed price | Main distinction |
|---|---|---|
| Microchip PICkit 2 PIC16F690 Starter Kit | USD 69.00 | Programmer, prototyping board, and PIC16F690 support |
| Complete Arduino Starter Kit | USD 44.78 | Breadboard, sensor kit, servo motor, and DIY lessons |
Where each product wins
- PIC-focused work - Microchip Technology DV164120 PICkit 2: Its PIC/DSPIC core, PICkit 2 kit name, and support for 8-, 14-, and 20-pin flash devices make it the more direct match for a PIC16F690-centered project.
- Guided Arduino learning - Complete Arduino Starter Kit: The combination of English tutorial links, USB project completion, modules, and beginner-friendly features gives it a clearer fit for learning through DIY builds.
- A defined hardware target: The Microchip kit is easier to place when the project is already organized around PIC hardware.
- A component-rich starting format: The Arduino kit brings together a breadboard, sensor kit, servo motor, and pin-header modules in one package.
Product notes
Microchip Technology DV164120 PICkit 2 PIC16F690 PIC Microcontroller Starter Kit
Choose the Microchip Technology DV164120 PICkit 2 PIC16F690 PIC Microcontroller Starter Kit when your project starts with PIC hardware rather than a general lesson sequence. Its package includes a programmer and a prototyping board supporting 8-, 14-, and 20-pin flash devices, with a PIC16F690 microcontroller. The PIC/DSPIC core and DV164120 kit name reinforce that focused direction. The limitation is scope: the package centers on the PICkit 2, supported devices, and PIC16F690, not the Arduino modules, USB project flow, or 28-plus lesson links found in the other kit. For PIC-specific work, that focus is the reason to choose it; for broad beginner projects, the format may not match.
Complete Arduino Starter Kit: Microcontroller, Modules & Tutorials For Beginners
The Complete Arduino Starter Kit: Microcontroller, Modules & Tutorials For Beginners suits a learner who wants a guided path through Arduino projects. Its package includes more than 28 lesson links with English instructions, USB projects, a 9V 1A power supply, a breadboard, sensor kit, servo motor, and modules connected via pin headers. Components are already soldered, which keeps the package centered on assembling and programming projects rather than soldering work. Its limitation is the stated Arduino core: someone specifically seeking PIC/DSPIC, PICkit 2, or PIC16F690 hardware will find the Microchip kit more directly aligned. The CPU model is listed as ARMv7, so its focus remains the Arduino learning package rather than PIC hardware.
Final choice by use case
For a project explicitly built around PIC/DSPIC and PIC16F690 hardware, choose the Microchip Technology DV164120 PICkit 2 PIC16F690 PIC Microcontroller Starter Kit. Its programmer, prototyping board, and supported flash-device range fit that defined direction.
For Arduino learning, USB-based projects, and a tutorial-led DIY format, choose the Complete Arduino Starter Kit: Microcontroller, Modules & Tutorials For Beginners. Its lesson links and included project components make the intended use clear. If you are undecided, the Arduino package is the more natural starting point for guided experimentation, while the Microchip kit is the better match for a specific PIC target.
