I just read http://www.edn.com/article/C...tryid=2815 and think it is a very good discussion of the reasons for (non-)migration from 8 to 32 bits.

One of the interesting things is the albeit brief mention of combining 8 and 32 bit processors in the same chip, 8 bit processor as an I/O machine and the 32 bitter as a calculating powerhouse.

On a related theme: with $5 ARMs around is anyone still considering 16 bits?

Erik