Certainly don't mean to rain on your parade, I'm just currious as to why you believe we may be close to an NIRC wrt the '148? Obviously I hope you are correct, but the '336 went thru multiple IDSs, then Final rejection, then (thankfully) eventually an NIRC.. 15 or so months post decision to Merge.. Perhaps there is a lot of redundancy b/t patents or communication b/t examiners.. Personally, and not to be negative here, I would not be one bit surprised if the '148 had to walk thru a Final Rejection first. Anyway, I hope you are correct..

fwiw:

'148 Transaction History:

90/008,227

HIGH PERFORMANCE MICROPROCESSOR HAVING VARIABLE SPEED SYSTEM CLOCK

..

'336 Transaction History:

90/008,237

HIGH PERFORMANCE MICROPROCESSOR HAVING VARIABLE SPEED SYSTEM CLOCK