In message <33B75A67.2AE4(a)ndirect.co.uk> classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu writes: I assume the following is one of the computers you claim can't possibly be used today... You mean an MK-14. I've never seen it printed in roman numerals (I have the machine, user manual, a couple of 3rd party books, the adverts, etc, etc,etc It was my first computer). Perhaps you could explain _why_ I can't use one today. I've written many, many embedded control programs (monitor some inputs, update state variables, toggle outputs, etc) that would _trivially_ fit into 256 bytes of SC/MP code. If I add the optional INS8154 RAM/IO chip I have another 128 bytes of RAM and 16 bidirectional I/O lines. I can also add another 256 bytes by raiding my junk box for some 2111's. I can think of a few dozen applications that I could use that for. A trivial one is an I2C chip tester - replace the monitor ROMs with ones burnt to contain the correct code (avoids using the cassette interface option...), and have said code read I2C addresses/data from the hex keypad and bit-bang the I2C protocol on a couple of the 8154 lines. Or, how about a Centronics printer tester (emulate the centronics port on the 8154, make it print the classic scrolling ASCII text). Or a programmable pulse generator for digital IC testing. Or a hundred-and-one other applications. Yes, I can do any of those with a PC or many, many other machines. But the MK14 is small and portable. It doesn't need a monitor. It will start the program instantly at switch-on. It is still useful today. -tony