Intel stays strong

Intel reported a 25% jump in profits. Most of the increase came from global laptop sales, according to a report in this afternoon's WSJ. What will be interesting to see is how much correlation there continues to be with Microsoft. In the past, the two firms rode the same waves together. But as firms hold back on moving to Vista, and begin to explore other alternatives, we may start to see a gradual decoupling.

Intel has taken advantage of more price competition in mobile PC's, along with poor performance by AMD, to make this move. Look for them to build momentum as the year progresses. And remember, no matter what the market looks like, someone is always making money!