I could probably find the chip a little cheaper in small quantity if I searched hard enough, but I now have the chip ready assembled on a PCB with all the components, that would be really simple to modify for any project I might think up, and much easier than starting from scratch with prototyping board.
You have to be careful ordering from overseas - Royal mail charge a racketeering 'handling fee' to collect any duty, and I've heard some carriers are even worse!!!