ATSTK525 Starter Kit

I got an email from Digi-Key about a special they are running:

<quote>Through January 31, 2007, Atmel is offering Digi-Key customers
an exclusive discount on the ATSTK525 Starter Kit. This kit, which
typically retails for $197.48, is available for $148.00. (Limit
one/customer)</quote>

I have been thinking about doing a usb host project. So my question is
what are the tools like. Specifically how do build, I download to the
flash, and test my code? It does not say if the processor can be
programmed in C?

The ad says: "It supports JTAGICE mkII and AVRISP mkII via AVR
Studio." I don't know what any of those three things are, but do I
need additional jtag hardware? What does it cost?

I went on the Atmel website, and it did not clarify anything for me.
It seems that many useful items are available for free download at the
cost of signing up (and I presume reams of spam).

What I would like:
1) A cheap eval kit like this.
2) GNU toolchain including GDB for debugging. Windows and/or Linux
based.
3) Decent chip and dev board docs and schematics.

Does anyone here have any words of wisdom on this board and
development environment?

Thanks, Steve
.

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