No, not dvorak
I think that ABCDE would be fine.  That way, people don't have to learn a funky new layout.
As for venture capital, if we can design it and get a basic firmware written, I know some people that may be interested in helping out.
I like the password idea.

i never understood why people are opposed to dvorak. for example, this post was typed using dvorak. regardless, ABCDE should be fine as SAT/ACT regulators are used to that kind of layout.

I don't like the password idea. Too many problems. Also, that would limit custom software.  Any light, password, or wifi could easily be hacked.  Why not have something outside the os, like the install os screen that tells if the calc os is act/sat certified. It would prevent a custom os.

@graphmastur, juju2143: Saw this a little while ago, which gave me that push to create a calc.

@SirCmpwn: You probably skimmed a page before writing this, didn't you?
Won't blame it too much on you - the topic practically exploded to 14 pages in around 24 hours...

First and foremost, YOU are the owner of KnightOS, so you already own the copyright. Heck, this post could be considered my copyright. YOU own it, so YOU decide. We've established that a couple of pages ago.

Second, I really didn't know you were underage. Writing a kernel isn't a joke. It's some serious thinking here and there. Lots of companies love that kind of skill.

Third, don't worry about firmware blocking or anything. This project is a community driven project, NOT a profit driven project. Why would we do something that we're fighting against?

Fourth, we've established the "no QWERTY rule" already, at least for the OTZ80. Screen size will be similar or the same. There may or may not be wireless capabilities. Basically, OTZ80 is an attempt to get people to buy a calc that feels like a TI-8x, but is much better in terms of openness, functionality, and speed.

Fifth, that's an option that will be placed in.

Sixth, this was also already established in some pages ago: What's the point of selling a calculator that can't do math? Math is the top priority here.

Finally, Zilog is not really likely to bend down and just design a chip for us. However, there IS a nice alternative - eZ80. It's the Z80, only a LOT better, and by the same company.

Whew. I don't know why I used numerical words... probably because I'm writing an essay at the same time?

@Eeems, @DJ: I'm not sure how this would work. I know some people are willing to donate a bit, but my usual question is: is it legal? If people are willing to donate, they really don't need the money.

@willrandship: That's my point there. Also, that's a good idea. And the goal is to sell LOTS. Destroy the crazy TI monopoly? And we (hopefully) won't be using custom ICs - just ones that can be purchased easily.

@SirCmpwn: good idea for venture capitals

@willrandship: Good point. Our OTZ80 will definitely fit those regulations.

@graphmastur, willrandship: I still like a password idea, but I'm not sure myself. Definitely there should be a Press-To-Test mode or something of the sort. Otherwise, testing boards will reject this calc for use on standardized tests.

WHEW again. Now off to finishing a fun little narrative essay at 1:22 AM in the morning, and then off to bed for moi.

personally I love dvorak, but abcdef is fine by me too
just throwing that out there

if we are going to use the eZ80 and I am pretty sure we are then I would personally prefer a "upgraded" version of KOS that makes better use of the speed and some new instructions. I know that it will be quitea job to do that, hell, sir has to finish the first KOS first...
Well we'll see, I just want to make sure we sqeeuze te processor to the max and make it as resource unintensive as possible..

good point, we will want to use our full potential

i love it, but i feel it should be slightly thicker for
a. durability
b. longer lasting ports. ( it would be too easy to crack the calc by bending the mini usb inside the thing.

I think that the +*-/ column should be to the right of the numbers.  Also, I don't think there should be a store.  Maybe if they all were free. Money is going to be complicated as it is.

Maybe have ok ret become left and right click for arm as well as ret.