Steven,

Consider using Linux for your MP3 project. You can get it working on a 'real' system, then start throwing away pieces that you don't need to reduce the kernel size down to a minimum. Then load things onto your 386 machines.

And, if you want to develop your own hardware, you can do it in phases. First, get things working with hardware where a driver already exists, then change one hardware component at a time. This is much nicer environment than working months before hearing a peep.

<>< Lance.