[sdiy] selecting a semiconductor manufacturer

[rkmoore at memphis.edu]

Hi everyone,

I know that many common IC's and transistors are produced by several 
makers.  Fairchild, Vishay, STmicro, NTE, and TI seem to have a pretty 
good amount of overlap.  Do any of these companies outshine the 
others?  Do any need to be avoided?  I know that NTE seems to be 
unreasonably expensive, otherwise I'm kind of in the dark.  Please 
share your opinions/experiences.

Thanks,

Richard Moore