3/5 - Intel released its mid-quarter update on Friday, after which time a quiet period descends, until until financial results are released for the quarter. 'Effective with this announcement, Intel has begun its “Quiet Period.” ... The company plans to provide a new Business Outlook when it reports first-quarter financial results on April 19, 2006'.

There also seems to be a quiet period on Intel technology before Intel Developer Forum (IDF) next week, a calm before the storm so to speak.

More news is expected at IDF on Intel's new microarchitecture, due out in the second half, for laptops, desktops, and servers. "Intel will be unveiling more details at the Spring 2006 version of it's semiannual tech extravaganza".

Back when Apple replaced its tiny Seagate hard drives in its iPods with NAND flash memory, people wondered if the hard drive would eventually go away entirely. These fears appear to be exaggerated. Nevertheless Intel may unveil a hybrid hard drive, consisting of traditional magnetic platters, as well as NAND flash. "Intel looks poised to bring the benefits of NV memory technology to the user".

IDF takes place this week, March 7, 8, & 9.