Choosing a processor is not a simple task. First of all, I have to look at the cost picture, and, if one processor or another, along with the required resources, internal or external, is too costly, then it's removed from consideration. If there's an ARM verison of the circuit that fits the budget, meets performance requirements, and isn't simply too large, then it makes the cut and gets consideration. ARM is a RISC, and relies on its speed to compensate for the reduction in its instruction set. If it can meet the timing requirements, it will be considered if it doesn't bust some other budgetary constraint. Since you can find good GNU programmers in any unemployment line, and since you can use GNU tools with ARM, it's likely to float to the top because of development tool considerations.

If an 805x can do the job, and comes in at the lowest overall cost, it will get the nod. I wouldn't be meeting due diligence obligations if I failed to consider everything that's available. I don't know everything, though, and could overlook somebody. I try to hit all the "likely suspects," though.

RE