AVR-Chat

Joel,

> I'm a newbie in this field and would like to start to actively develop
> for the AVR platform. Firstly, what do people recommend I buy on the
> hardware side, besides a Dev Kit like the STK500?

I tend to build my own, as I always find I need something slightly 
different.

> Secondly, I am also
> kind of new to the field of electronics (I know my basic, high school
> physics). Can anybody recommend good books or online tutorials?

the bible for electronics ;-
"Horowitz and Hill - The Art of electronics"
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0521370957/qid=1112086350/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/002-8500317-6888033?v=glance&s=books

PAul