> 
> i reboot my machine and mistakenly get involved in a conversation, so
> when i actually get around to pressing f3 (to select netbsd from
> mbr_bootsel), it's too late.

You could always increase the timeout for the mbr_bootsel code.
However don't make it more than 1/2 the apparant maximum.
(I've a lurking fix that also allows indefinite timeout)

	David

-- 
David Laight: david@l8s.co.uk