[radarsat1]

I'm not sure about that, you can get small FPGA kits for less than $100 now, and the software is free and multiplatform (but not open). The DE0-nano dev kit is an example, it's about $80. I imagine the availability of things like the Raspberri Pi will bring prices down even further.

Aside from similar to some programming language, HDL is pretty interesting to learn in its own right. (Although I disagree that it's like C. It's more like a declarative language for circuits, though it's true that you can stick imperative-like code in there. But treating it like C is a recipe for problems.)

[hatcravat]

Sure, but you can get an MSP430 dev kit (stripped down IDE for C; USB dev board with a programmer and a few buttons and LEDs; a couple devices in DIP packages) from TI for $4.30 plus shipping.

Also, most microcontroller companies provide all the specs you need to roll your own end-to-end software for the device. Aside from specifying the machine language (so you can write your own compiler), they also have app notes for programming the onboard flash via JTAG or another interface. With programmable logic, it seems like the only parts that don't require the vendor's own programmer and synthesis software are legacy SPLDs like 22v10s.

[sliverstorm]

you can get small FPGA kits for less than $100 now

I know, but a DE0-nano has only 20k LE's, and runs at 50MHz. You'd probably be limited to simulations of an Intel 8008 or thereabouts.