Generally speaking, Maxim had been famous for it's accurate specifications. So it's products are normally more expensive. For critical applications and highly-stressed conditions , we can rely on maxim parts since maxim does not seem to overstate the part's performances.
For test and experiment purposes, you can have a look at National web site. I like national's simulation features. You can design many circuits online .
http://www.national.com
For sample circuit, you don't need many parts in fact. In the maxim specs, there will be sample or typical application circuit. That's enough for them to work well. Some times those typical circuits are their optimal configuration. For the boost converter circuit you use (which use inductor), the IC, an inductor , two caps, and a schottky diode will be enough to work. If your output load cannot allow high ripple , you will need additional pi filter on the output which will flatten the output ( involves some calculations ). Choose caps to have enough ripple current rating.