I started the edX course, kinda got carried away and did 2 weeks worth of activity in the past 6 hours, completed 4 out of the 7 available chapters already. The simulation seems to work quite well too
jerry507: I felt uncomfortable using Eclipse when I was trying to learn Java and would assume the uneasy feeling will be the same on any development tool based on it (or is it just Java that does that). I had a play with LPCxpresso the other night to complete zapta's challenge (though I think I had trouble finding the correct output directories) it did seem quite well done overall. The code space limit thingy irks me somewhat, I'm probably just uncomfortable with pay-based software restrictions Until I actually start doing real coding I won't know for certain if it would be a real problem.
I stopped at Lab 2 because I don't have the kit yet and it's due to be here tomorrow, I have an older MSP430 Launchpad and other Arm dev kits but I rather wait.
I could have skipped most of the course so far but I went through it all including reading the datasheet of the TM4C123GH6, and the optional assembly section.
So far 4 hours spent, as for my feedback on the course, it does cover the right bases, as in numbering systems that even if they are 2nd nature to me I can see why it would be important to someone starting up, so they are not rushing things at all, and they are covering the bases right. They even talk about MCU architectures, there are a couple of slip offs but nothing serious so far.
Also there were some quiz questions not covered in the video and interactive coursware, as in what power is and other minor things that are kind of common sense (to me at least), so maybe reading the extra material (which I didn't other than the datasheet) might help others.
BTW the TM4C123GH6 is a Cortex-M4 and pretty loaded! So far I'm liking this course.
Also, I wouldn't rush through it too quick, C2 including Lab 2 is suggested to be done by the 30th (8 days away), C4 where you are at is suggested to be done by Feb 6th.
Nothing wrong getting ahead, but if you reach C7 in one more day, you will have to wait until February 1st for the next batch, and C15 wont be ready until March 1st, so leaving you big gaps that might affect your midterm and finals (edit: which this course might not have so never mind).