If you are going to use a chip other than 8051, you might want to take a look at the PIC16F877. I personally prefer it over the 68HC11. It supports a bootloader, (FLASH memory), but the bootloader has to be programmed in first. The 'F877 supports in-circuit serial debugging and programming via an ICD module, eliminating the need for a programmer, bootloader, and ICE. I just use my programmer and don't mess with a bootloader or debugger.

The 68HC11 is a great chip. HUGE instruction set. I have found the code to be somewhat large and the chip to be a bit slow, that is why I don't use it much.

Cory Spackman