eWeek is running a three page analysis of the latest trends in the Tablet PC. This article is the reporter's way of one-upping another one and jumping on the bandwagon. At least the discussion has begun - finally.

Personally, Microsoft can put an end to the negative side of the discussion by not hedging. It's completely up to them.

AMD learned who their friends were when their popularity flashed with the K2, K3, and Athlon. Their sales skyrocketed when they started to focus on the white box resellers. They crashed when they signed up larger OEMs. They are almost completely on their knees right now because of this fatal mistake.

Intel learned this lesson in 1995 the hard way. They were beat up by resellers because they were promising to ship product in a retail box -- yet supply was always going to Dell. Sales skyrocketed when they started to focus on the larger part of the sales equation - the white box resellers.

Sadly, Intel still doesn't have the naming scheme down. No consumer can distinguish the Dothan from another one - easily and without pain.

Fortunately, word is spreading that Intel wants to help spread the Tablet PC with a white box - and unbranded Tablet PC. This would be very cool and Microsoft should follow up immediately. Get it to the market because sales would definitely skyrocket.

And in an historical context, Geoworks flashed on the scene in the 90s when they gave two copies of their software to resellers. They asked one to be used for demonstration purposes and the other to be sold. It was a huge gift that paid off until Geoworks dropped their focus and the resellers dropped them.

Who are your friends in this industry? Always your partners. It's a tough lesson and I'm sure one that Microsoft will eventually learn. Love em or hate em - Microsoft is in control of this hot topic.

Title: Analysts: Tablet PC Could Quietly Vanish

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