[reemrevnivek]

There are over 300 different models of the MSP430, ranging from the G2 or Value Line parts having 1k of Flash, a couple hundred bytes of RAM and usually one timer to the F5 series with 100-pin parts having 256kB of Flash and 16k of RAM, and 4 timers. Limiting yourself to stuff that's compatible with the $4.30 starter kit is not an accurate representation of the MSP430 lineup.

[theatrus2]

I agree. However, if you're not willing to spend money on Code Composer, IAR, or something similar, the GCC port isn't up to snuff on the 430X variants. In fact, the whole split personality of 16/20bit mode makes me want to just give up and use an ARM (Energy Micro EFM32, for instance).

[sliverstorm]

The code limitations on CCS aren't too bad. Though, yes, ARM chips are awesome. STMicro has some really nice ones, with beautiful documentation and libraries.