Intel plans price cuts across its range in two weeks' time. Celeron, Pentium III and P4 parts are all affected, according to a posting on a hitherto secure Intel website.

The posting reads as follows:

"These processors are available at the new price points only while supplies last. With this price move, Intel is delivering higher performance and better value in the performance and value desktop market segment. Please contact your authorized Intel distributor, after December 10, for specific pricing and availability details."

References to 'select' Pentium 4 processors don't leave much room for manoeuvre as there are still only two variants of the flagchip available.

Details of pricing specifics remain to be seen, but a drop on the P4 less than three weeks after its launch smacks of either a cockup or panic - we wouldn't like to speculate which. ®