This topic was discussed a while ago, but I would like to refine a little.
Here is the link to the old one.

Free sample chips!

That has a list of vendors, but ones I tried don't give out easily.

For example,

Fairchild: must have corporate email account (I belong to academic sector, so no go for me)

So, I would like to ask people in the forum what companies are pretty good with samples (eg Microchip) in their personal experience.

Thanks.

I've gone out looking just for free parts, usually have a project and specific parts, for which I can afford to pay for, because I have a job. Personally, I think posting a list is a bad idea, and will just make it tougher for the people wanting to try out some new chips, before making a major commitment. That said, it's likely several people will give you plenty of sources, just because it's wrong.

I just would like a reference list.

That said, I do buy my parts when I build projects with commitment.