in multi-tasking Okay, check out: http://home.freiepresse.de/befis/zx96_e.htm Then tell me what you *can't* do with a ZX81 ;>) We can: scan documents control overhead projectors control CNC tools and other robotics run BBSs play audio CDs load programs from CDs burn EPROMs In addition to the above, we also use: AT- and PS/2-style keyboards 5.25" fdds 3.5" fdds IDE hdds LCD screens I've heard that a TCP/IP protocol handler will be unveiled at this year's meeting. Sure, some of these operations are slow, but the point is that we're doing a *lot* with "obsolete" hardware. If we can get this kind of functionality out of a Z80-based system, what could *really* be done with a 486-100, P233, or P4-2.2 GHz system, given the time and brainpower? Sellam once said that the ZX-TEAMers were "fanatical hackers." How else is science advanced, other than fanatical hacking (and dumb luck)? My personal project is WIN-ZX, which will perform many of the tasks Windows 3.1 handled for the PC. Presently it requires a 64KB system with a MEFISDOS-based IDE hard drive, but I hope to trim it down to 16KB and cassette tape. Hope you join us for the chat -- Glen 0/0