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Then the company itself briefed PC Pro on the much-delayed chips. It told us the native quad-core chips would definitely be available in September, but declined to produce any concrete benchmark results.

However, the week ended on a high note for AMD as arch rival Intel was charged with abusing its dominant position in the PC processor market by the EU. The Intel charge sheet includes paying OEMs to delay the launch of AMD product lines - although considering how long it has taken AMD to get Barcelona out of the door, you could argue that was money down the drain. Intel insists its conduct "has been pro-competitive and beneficial to customers".

Elsewhere, there's bad news for iPod pickpockets. Apple's filed a patent that prevents devices from charging if they're plugged into "unauthorised computers". Although given the iPod's notorious battery life problems, it might take thieves a while to notice...

And finally, Dell's keeping Redmond's cardiologists in work by extending its range of Ubuntu Linux PCs. Little wonder Microsoft supremo Steve Ballmer was trying to convince investors the company's future lies in web services and consumer devices. Whatever you say, Steve.

Here's our pick of the week's headlines:

FRIDAY JULY 27

Zune coming to the UK for Christmas?