Aside from just seeing if it will work (like Andrew says), I'd prefer to have a small unit that is "always on" than necessarily running an entire computer system to do the work.

It sounds to me, though, what Andrew is looking for is the ability to use the 8051 as an 802.11b->X10 convertor or router, of sorts. I wonder if such a beast doesn't already exist?

This interests me because I, too, have been interested in the past in doing almost exactly what Andrew suggested. He goes one step further by taking it to the PDA via 802.11b which would be awfully neat with the right PDA software installed--of course, I'd want to custom-write the PDA software myself. :)

Andrew, another option, perhaps, is using serial wireless communication rather than 802.11b. The advantage is that you wouldn't need to implement TCP/IP on the 8051. The disadvantage is that you'd probably have to design some kind of hardware that attaches to the PDA and converts the serial port to a wireless signal. The electronics shouldn't be difficult, but the mechanical aspect of it might be. i.e., getting it to mount/plug-in to the PDA in a convenient or attractive manner.

Unless you really want to do the 8051 project, check to see if an 802.11b->X10 adapter doesn't already exist. And if it doesn't you might just be able to turn your 8051 project into a marketable item. :)

Regards,
Craig Steiner