One question that arises is, "How does memory usage compare?"

Given the same 'C' program, how much code and data memory in the ARM architecture, does a program that consumes, say, 16 KB of code space on 805x consume? What about data space? How do efforts to conserve code and data space affect performance?

When the ARM with 32 KB of code space + 8 KB of data space can support the same task at the same cost with the same effective performance as the 805x, the 805x will truly be "circling the bowl." In theory, the ARM will be more development-friendly.

There will always be specific tasks in which one architecture has an advantage over the other. I'd guess that the ARM will be better whenever computation-intensive tasks are preeminent, and the 805x will win out when byte I/O is the main chore.

I'm a little disappointed that so many MCU's are incorporating analog functions that consume pins. Most of them are too slow to interest me, though I have to admit they seem to sell quite briskly. I'm just curious how precise those features really turn out to be in the typical application. I'd guess that a typical ADC in a typical environment can only realize 6-7 of the 12 bits of resolution that are paid-for.

RE