Tony Duell wrote They are fun and easy ;>) So don't run BASIC. There are some fair assemblers out there for this box and a FORTH, too. Hook up a decent keyboard, fix the display, and have fun. Since you are a hacker I'd think this would be a good toy for you ;>) Not to brag, but my souped-up ZX81 outperforms my Kaypro 10. (Why *is* Kaypro hard- and floppy- disk i/o so slow?) Takes me about 3 ;>) One convenient thing about building a kit as opposed to buying an already-built computer is that you can modify it as you build it. For example, when I build a ZX81 I know I won't be using the RF modulator or the keyboard connectors so I can leave them out. If I start with a pre-built unit I have to work around the existing parts. I'm with you -- I want to make the kit work! Glen 0/0