This is my collection of projects based on the MSP430. It starts with the simplest design possible that does little more than blink an led. Then I incrementally build on each successive project, adding complexity and functions one step at a time.
I like the MSP430 family of microcontroller because they are simple to program, well documented, relatively inexpensive, and support almost any interface I may want to use. The MSP430 parts are all available in QFN packages so I don't need to worry about trying to assemble BGA parts.
: $530
FoxConn in Wisconsin