Dell may have inadvertently confirmed that it is indeed to offer an notebook PC based on AMD's Mobile Athlon 4 processor.

Earlier this week, analyst Eric Ross of Thomas Wiesel Partners advised investors of Dell's move, citing sources reliable enough to calm his initial scepticism. Dell remains the last major PC supplier to maintain an Intel-only policy. Signing AMD would mark a significant win - financial and psychological for Intel's arch-rival.

However, today we received an e-mail from Dell. The message was sent to a Register reader and member of the "Dell faithful" after he contacted the PC maker to seek clarification of the claims in our coverage of Ross' report. "I wrote them this morning, explaining that I read a rumor they might use the Athlon 4. In an encouraging letter I mentioned that if this was true, they would win my business," says our reader. "I really want an Athlon-based laptop."

Here is Dell's response:

"Thank you for contacting Dell Customer Care. I am not sure when we will have these available, but it may be in July. I am glad we can retain you as a customer with our products. Have a great day."

Now, we can't confirm Dell's response - or, it has to be said, that it actually is a response from Dell. It's certainly not an official comment. However, if it is a Dell missive, it certainly supports Ross' claims. Assuming, of course, they're not just stringing the guy along to maintain his support... ®

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