Second mention of a character terminal project (VT100).

Have you looked at PALM VT-100 Terminal software? Might be what you want (if you have your glasses with you and have lot's of light).

Regarding the platform effort, i've heard both TVT and VGA displays mentioned, any preference developed here? By now you all know i don't think it should really matter which but, what is the prevailing desire.

My local drug store has these mini-mono-TV's for $19.95. Everytime i walk past i think how cool and useful a tiny board implementing a stand alone bit-mapped/character terminal, would be. Even though stand-alone, a "hosted mode" could configure into a platform.

Also been doing "back of the envelope" VGA calculations. Using a fast '51 you find memory is the limitation. Resolution/Color Depth increase memory requirement in big chunks.

The original Mac resolution 512x342 uses 21.9k per bit of color, 640x400 is just do-able in 32k per bit and 640x480 bumps you to 38.4K.

regards,
p