Reply #4: Alternate theory: it's their own damned fault

[Psephos]

Anyone familiar with the strategic mistakes Intel made over the past several years, especially with regard to CPU design in comparison to rival AMD's products, knows the real reason for Intel's layoffs. Microsoft's delay of Vista also means decreased orders coming from manufacturers for the upcoming Christmas season, another damper on Intel.

Intel seems to have turned a corner with their new dual-core designs, but it will take a while before those revenues reinvigorate Intel.

Meanwhile, semiconductor manufacturing remains an intensely competitive, and historically cyclical business. Employment in the sector rises and falls with the technology business cycle.

I love to blame Bushco but this is one wall where the spaghetti doesn't stick.

Peace.