The newest "X2" picaxes have a *second* serial port, with proper buffering (which can be polled) and the like. But the do-dos didn't mux it onto the original serial pins, so it costs two extra pins to use the better/faster/buffered port. Ugh.

I've just ordered two Arduino Mini Pro (5V) boards from robotshop.ca, just down the motorway from us. They'll arrive here via one-day post, so I can play with them on the weekend.

One thing I need them for, is to drive some character-based LCD displays. I had a look at the stock Arduino library for such, and it has the (very simple) basics. But it uses fixed delays, rather than polling the LCD's busy bit. Duh.. perhaps I'll also now have to get involved.

Cheers