Interesting idea - not sure how to implement though. Maybe a regular backlight? Or LED bars?

since i'm assuming we don't want to use the same keyboard layout as the TI84 series, and QWERTY is out of the question thanks to the people who run the SAT's, will there be any compatibility issues between KnightOS' key recognition and a different keyboard? or is this a simple fix by wiring the correct buttons to the correct ports?

I definetely like the backlight idea, I am unsure about having the backlight powered by the "regular" batteries because the'll be drained quickly. i think you'd better put the switch on the side but that is a worry for later. Which brings me to a next (random) feature I'd like to see, battery status!

I just glanced over the eZ80 documentation and I think it is absolutely perfect. I would personally like to pick up >20Mhz, possibly the 50mhz. Since the most expensive 50Mhz eZ80 is $18.4 and the cheapest: $8.6. The golden midway is $12.6

This is all very afforable! I think of all components the screen, case and proccesor are going to be the most expensive. I estimate/like to see the eZ80 version going for sale at about $70 or maybe less if we manafacture in china

Off course this is all just specualting.
Here is the eZ80 (multiple versions):http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Selection&c=39&f=356&ptm=6200&site=us&lang=en
and documentation:http://www.zilog.com/docs/ez80/ps0066.pdf

edit:

Interesting idea - not sure how to implement though. Maybe a regular backlight? Or LED bars?

Some LCD's already have a backlight integrated. I'd definetely take one of these as they tend to be fast as well, and switching the backlight is quite easy (just a signal/flag).

I'm thinking that if we're really making something radically different than TI, we could be able to write a new kernel. KnightOS is based around TI's hardware, and it might not be the best choice. I'm sure whatever we make would have a completely different memory layout, plus the added power of an eZ80 could make a better OS possible. Not to bash Sircmpwn or anything, but I think we can do much better when not limited to the TI-83+ hardware.

I couldn't agree with you more. We could however use KOS as a reference...

Me! If I wasn't already writing one for a Spartan 3e FPGA...
plus I am not a z80 hero, but if asked I'd definetely take on the challenge.

My suggestion is to ask SirCmpwn what he thinks. If he thinks his OS will work, then we'll use it. Otherwise, we definitely need a smart person/smart group
to design a new OS. OS designing is a lot harder than it looks, especially for the kernel part, so beware.

Me too but once again I am not that good at z80 assembly. There is no lack of will only lack of know-how.