Downloaded KaOS-202.01.x-86_64.4iso, used ImageWriter to make bootable USB. booted from USB, grey options screen, process started but then got the message [ 13.091986][ T11] elants_i2c i2c-ELAN0001:00: nothing at this address.
Then the system reboots into the already installed OS (Manjaro KDE)
Dell LULU (formerly Chromebook now DBA Manjaro)
What am I doing wrong?

https://kaosx.us/docs
Did you check sha256SUM from the downloaded ISO? Checked again after writing to the USB?
Not clear what tool you used, whether it is the old Suse Imagewriter, or KDE released IsoImagewriter.

    demm

    demm the KDE image writer (also etcher with the same result) Checksum is correct. Tried writing iso to two different USBs with the same result

        Oh, you mention a Chromebook, is this an ARM system maybe? KaOS only supports x86_64.

          demm nope x86_64. It started life as a Chromebook, but I upgraded the SSD and installed Manjaro exclusively, which runs great. I just wanted to give KaOS a shot as I love the idea of focusing on one thing and trying to do that really well.