Intel Feels the Power as Midquarter Update Approaches

Intel (INTC Quote) has a chance to be the hero once again.

After the bell Thursday, the chip giant will present its first-quarter progress to a market that's dying to hear signs that the chip up-cycle has indeed returned.

Hewlett-Packard (HWP Quote) and Dell (DELL Quote) both recently provided rosy earnings reports, lending credence to the concept that January and February PC shipments might turn out to be stronger than usual. ...