Finally RiscStation has come up a solution for their patient laptop customers. In a letter sent this week, Roy Heslop writes: "In parallel with our hardware developments we have constantly been assessing the viability of RISC OS software on Intel and AMD powered hardware, and we are delighted with the results. RiscStation Ltd is now able to offer high quality portable and desktop hardware that gives you the power of RISC OS 4, Microsoft Windows XP and Linux running on processors of up to 3Ghz and beyond!"

Yes, Virtual RPC saves the day again.

Many of RiscStation's customers have already paid either a deposit or the full whack (£1500) over two years ago. These receive vouchers worh up to £100 (for deposits) or £200 (for full payment) redeemable against purchases from sister company CTA Direct.

So are we happy now? RiscStation has previously come under fire for their lack of progress and communication. Some RISC OS users still had hopes of seeing some portable ARM hardware, but sadly the RiscStation ARM portable joins the Peanut and Phoebe in never-never land.

RiscStation now become part of the growing crowd of emulator providers - jostling against MicroDigital, who got there first, Advantage 6, and R-Comp. Alan Dawes, a potential customer who retrieved his payment earlier this year, comments "As CJE have been offering 'branded' PC portables with VirtualRPC since the Guildford Show it looks like Roy has once again missed the boat!"

A big shout out to Roger Wylde and Alan Dawes for furnishing us with the info - RiscStation's letter (including laptop specs) can be read here.