1. Game console makers at crossroads

Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo are coming to terms with a dearth of blockbuster titles and increased rivalry from new gaming platforms such as smartphones.

2. Intel, NEC team up to flex supercomputing might

Both companies will jointly develop high-performance computing systems based on Intel processor to extend products to wider audience, say executives.

3. Microsoft testing Excel for supercomputers

At the Supercomputing 2009 conference, Microsoft releases an updated version of Windows Server for high-performance computers as well as a compute cluster version of its Excel spreadsheet.

4. Jaguar supercomputer races past Roadrunner in Top500

Cray XT5 supercomputer known as "Jaguar" finally bests IBM after three tries. The top 10, while still dominated by supercomputers housed in the U.S., had just one newcomer.

5. 'Pragmatic' Intel seen in AMD deal

Intel's settlement with AMD avoids costly and lengthy legal battles and signals Intel looking to reduce reliance on PC and server markets, says analyst.

6. Qualcomm readies 3G/4G mobile chipsets

Company says it is sampling dual-mode chipsets that can switch between 3G and 4G wireless networks. Commercial products are expected next year.

7. Why Apple leaves low-end computers to the competition

Apple with its luxury-goods maker strategy adheres to graceful design esthetic and limits lineup keeping margins sky-high.

8. Report: Microsoft bans 1 million Xbox Live players

Players who were caught modifying their consoles to play pirated games have been booted from the popular service, InformationWeek says.

9. Booming gray market threatens cell phone industry

Apple iPhone's official carrier in China is enduring meager sales, just one result of the expansion of global market for copycat handsets.

10. Does Intel hold the edge in antitrust case?

Dramatic chip-price drops could confound antitrust complaints by New York State, AMD, and U.S. Federal Trade Commission--despite Intel's alleged payments to PC makers.