[sdiy] Programmable Logic?

[Ryan Williams]

hi,

It's time for me to get started with digital design. Does anyone have 
any reccomendation for devices to use? I'm looking for two different 
types. one should be a simple small device (preferably in dip package) 
that would have a few hundred gates I guess (maybe more), and I want to 
start with a deccent FPGA soon also. I've been learning Verilog a little 
so I want to stick with that for now. that first type of device I want 
is just for small designs that may be better to put it on a chip then 
use several digital ICs. They would be sequential circuits.

this is all new to me so looking around online is a bit overwhelming. if 
anyone has a reccomendation of where to start that would be nice. what I 
don't want to do is to get the development tools for one thing then wish 
I had something better a month later.

thanks,
ryan