He notes that he still prefers Altera to Xilinx, though both are now Neutral rated.

FORBES: Xilinx: Goldman Upgrades

Get the latest on semiconductor stocks, from Altera to Xilinx in Next Inning Technology Research.

FORBES: HP's Palm Purchase: Pennywise But Pound Foolish

On the edge, the law benefits programmable logic vendors Altera and Xilinx and programmable node makers EZchip and NetLogic.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Extraordinary volatility: Both Altera and Xilinx are closely followed stocks that can swing dramatically on the slightest bit of news.

FORBES: Not for war orphans

After all, the PLD industry is expected to grow very fast and essentially the market boils down to a two-horse race between Altera and Xilinx.

FORBES: Not for war orphans

Not surprisingly, given the legal profession, Altera is also suing Xilinx.

FORBES: Chip wars

That will affect Xilinx and Altera.

FORBES: Not for war orphans

Xilinx is suing Altera for patent infringement.

FORBES: Chip wars

Before plunking down cold cash for shares in PLD (Programmable Logic Device) makers Xilinx Corp. or Altera Corp. (see feature), be very careful.

FORBES: Not for war orphans

Second-hand Asian flu: Xilinx's and Altera's customers are primarily in the data processing, communications and networking industries--all of which are suffering some effects from the Asian meltdown.

FORBES: Not for war orphans

's Xilinx Corp. and Altera Corp.

FORBES: Technology briefing

Electronic Buyers News, a trade publication, estimates that Xilinx has 29% of the market for programmable logic chips, and Altera, also based in San Jose, has about 25%.

FORBES: Chips that change their spots