Until now I've been using a 16F690 chip in my projects because that was the chip that came with my Pickit2. I would like to try using one of the newer 18F series chips but don't want (can't afford) to buy a debugging header thingy like the one I use with my 16F690 as shown below.
Is it the case that some of the 18F chips have the debugging facilities 'built-in' thus negating the requirement for a seperate header? I've read some of the data sheets but it's still not clear to me if this is the case.
You will find the 18Fs a lot easier to program with little to bother about with Page and Bank commands.
If you are just experimenting, then get a 40 pin chip - only a few pence dearer - the 18LF4620 is a low price and will also run at 3v3 is you neeed it in the future.
Using a 40 pin will allow you to easily dedicate Mclre, PGC and PGC to the PK2 so no switching over or disconnecting each time you go from Program to Debug to Run.