Philips XA: Is it worth it?

ANSWER: no

I was interested in the XA for limilar reasons. Its a good processor but I think the recent release of fast clocking 8051s like Cygnus or even the RX2 series from Philips and Temic have acquired many of the designs that otherwise would have been ported to the XA.

For me, fast clocking 8051s means I can slow down my Xtal speed, reduce noise, and run longer between battery charges; something important for mobile systems.

You'll do more for your career in the long run if you wade into the deep waters of floating point calculations on the 8051. You won't learn much with blind reliance upon math libraries. While you may speed through the development on one project relying upon math libraries, you may be sacrificing the acquisition of knowledge that enables you to see a breakthrough solution later own.

Those that rely upon libraries compete against others that rely upon libraries and so their designs and profits become generic.

aka j