LPC1788 MOD-LCD4.3'' beginner

[amlwwalker]

Hi,
I am new here and new to 32 bit embedded programming. I have been programming 8 bit AVR's for about 5 years now, but have decided that I want flashy colour screens etc, so it is time to jump to 32 bit. I bought this board recently: https://www.olimex.com/Products/Modules/LCD/MOD-LCD4.3''/ but haven't had a chance to give it a shot yet. I plan to do so on Sunday....
I have a few questions.
I want to use eclipse with it as I am familiar with all its shortcuts etc, I came across this: http://gnuarmeclipse.livius.net/blog/posts/
has anyone used it? Is it straight forward to set up a tool chain for these things? Can anyone recommed anything better to use with Eclipse - or at least something tried and tested so that I can get going? I also saw this but its not a nice plugin...https://launchpad.net/gcc-arm-embedded

Secondly, I dont have a jtag programmer, and am a little broke at the moment. Can I program this thing over serial (usb-serial) atall - or via the mini usb port? Has anyone got a guide - or can point me to one, or just give me some instructions on how I can do this so I can get going - I dont think it will be a long term solution but I would like to start this way if possible.

Thanks
Alex

[amlwwalker]

Or perhaps someone could point me in the direction of a very very basic example of using this board just so I can get the toolchain setup.

Its difficult to get the example on the website working with open source tools

Thanks
Alex

[BruceC]

If by chance you are still grappling with this, I've used the Eclipse-based LPCXpresso with the 1788 (different development board).  It's free.  You can set that up to generate a hex file and upload it through the usb-serial using FlashMagic, which is also free.