The stuttering MSX invasion could be underway within a month, as reports of stock concentrations at Toshiba begin to leak out.

Toshiba now looks the best candidate to be the MSX standard bearer and could be the only one of the Japanese suppliers in a position to sell systems in the UK before Christmas. But it still refuses to put a date on its planned launch.

MSX, the Microsoft-devised home micro standard taken up by most of the major Japanese electronics outfits, has been available to Japanese users for almost 12 months - Mitsubishi started selling machines in October last year. The invasion of the UK was due to begin in September, but in the case of MSX it looks as though the famous Japanese talent for marketing has taken a holiday.

Rumours that the whole idea has been placed in a Sharp microwave oven so that it doesn't arrive here half-baked can be discounted.