That competitive advantage could well continue, said Joseph Osha, senior semiconductor analyst for Merrill Lynch.
Our semiconductor analyst, for example, has two M.B.A. interns contacting end markets in China.
Ashok Kumar, a semiconductor analyst at U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray, was even more skeptical.
"One of the biggest drivers is China," said Mark Edelstone, a semiconductor analyst at Morgan Stanley.
"The sector seems to have created its own little rally here," said Dan Scovel, a semiconductor analyst at Needham & Company.
"'Right now the trend is definitely favoring the chip makers," said Chung Sun, semiconductor analyst at Merrill Lynch International here.
"It's hard to justify that kind of capital expenditure," said Calvin Chang, a semiconductor analyst at Jardine Fleming in Taipei.
If Mr. Rose wants reports only on Intel from Credit Suisse's semiconductor analyst, for instance, WorldStreet sends him only those items.
"It confirms our view that the PC market is growing but at somewhat less than the seasonal norm," said Mark Edelstone, semiconductor analyst at Morgan Stanley.
Douglas K. Lee, a semiconductor analyst at Banc of America Securities, predicted, "The markets are going to have a tough time".
"The I.B.M. announcement is significant," Peter Glaskowsky, an independent semiconductor analyst said, "but it's still mostly a statement of intent at this point".
