isn't the arduino a development platform

This was a good thread for me to read..

as I have always been curious as to all these different 'models' of the Arduino boards..mega, nano, pro..mini..etc...

Its more or less the 'boards' and the extra hardware/components that make the model's different?

or are the actual CHIP SETS different? like the mega has 6 hardware interrupts to use..and the others only 2 I think?

so would I need to get the MEGA ($66+) to develop with..

then once I test..etc..etc take my chip (or get same exact chip type).. flash with my Arduino boot/code..etc.. and pop that chip intot he final design of my choice? (that mimics the functionality of the breadboard/development layout?)

This comment has peaked some interest for me.. can anyone elaborate?

thanks