... is how this topic veers away from the simplicity of it definition. Perhaps this results from how folks define "PC".

The answer to Karim's question is, of course, yes. Does this mean the queries as to practicallity are wrong headed? No.

Will an 8051 variation provide functionality similar to the dual/quad-core, north/south bridge, graphic/USB/disk array processor combinations that inexpensively populate our desks?

No.

Would an 8051 variation take the place of the central processor of the platform alluded to above?

No.

As pointed out across many of the thread components for this topic past and present, many 8051 variants outperform the central processors of pre-IBM personal computer platforms.

The levels of peripheral integration, for many variants, would have made the designers of these older platforms cry.

Would such a platform be a viable product? You have to be careful here. Not only have rocks and wall fragments been profitable vended items, have you seen the products selling for NES 1 retro applications? For my part i don't base my enthusiasm on this characteristic.

What originally interested me was the aggregation of peripheral technologies that 8051 oriented implementers were asking about and implementing ... extended memory, mechanical or solid state storage using FAT 32, PC keyboards and mice, TV and VGA video and of course, Ethernet. Lashing these projects together you have at least a conceptual platform.

As to operating system, you go here where you will. Imagining a bloated win-clone hardly seems rewarding, but for someone who has experience from fat-finger monitors, through OS/390-TSO; RT and RSX11M+; CP/M; DOS-Win-OS2 and the rest, there is room for individual learning and application creation.

Would I find such a platform useful? Sure, would you find it useful? I don't know ... would you?

I also suspect there is another mechanism at work, an age old one.

There also are those who when leaving their technical jobs each night also hang up their technical inclination. This is natural and common for a great many.

Alternatively there are those who go home to projects that interest or benefit them in ways that only define personally.

Throughout my career i have seen these two camps scratch their heads wondering how the other manages to survive physically, emotionally or financially. Its easy to descry the two camps, mention the word "hobby" does this cause one to wince or perk up?

regards,
p