The personal computer world just never stops changing. In addition to Acer's buyout announcement involving Gateway, Inc. (NYSE: GTW), Quanta Computer -- the world's largest notebook computer contract manufacturer -- has just lost its CEO. Quanta, which makes notebook computers for such names as Dell, Inc. (NASDAQ: DELL) and Apple, Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL), witnessed the weekend resignation of CEO Michael Wang, which leaves quite a few questions unanswered in the personal computer space. Quanta is not a name known to many consumers, but the company has in many ways been responsible for the multi-billion dollar transition from desktop computers to notebook computers over the last few years.

Is Quanta about to be sold to Hon Hai Precision, which is Taiwan's largest electronics conglomerate and the world's largest contract manufacturer? Possibly, and this recent move may indeed signal what lies just ahead. Former CEO Wang was in disagreement with the company's co-founder (Barry Lam) over the strategic direction of Quanta, which no doubt revolved around the rumored impending sale of the company.

Hon Hai may be known better by the fact that it makes Apple's iPods. However, the one large electronics contracting segment it is weak in is notebook computer manufacturing. With notebooks displacing traditional desktop computer units as the PC of choice for a majority of consumers (and businesses as well), having a strong presence here would seem natural for the largest electronics contract manufacturer in the world.

The airline industry, oh, it's plagued with problems right now. I'm sure you could help me list them: overcrowding on airplanes, passengers left to suffer overflowed toilets on the tarmac, unappealing food, no food at all. Delays, record financial losses, union woes, price pressures. Yep. The airline industry has issues.

But why focus on the real problems when you can make such a wide public statement that shows your commitment to AIDS prevention? I know, what? Qantas Airways Limited (ASX:QAN) terminated the flight attendant who, reportedly, had sex with actor Ralph Fiennes in an airplane bathroom. Ironically, he was on his way to Mumbai to deliver a speech about AIDS -- bloggers are reporting salaciously that he committed AIDS prevention no-no No. 1 (though I don't know how anyone can be sure about his prophylactic use or lack thereof).

In any case, a high-profile tabloidy encounter between a beautiful flight attendant and a sex symbol of an actor should be the airline industry's least concern.

Apparently, the United States is not the only country with money-losing airlines. Take a look at Italy's largest carrier, Alitalia SpA. The company hasn't seen profits since 2002.

Yet, it doesn't seem to be an issue for a buyout. In fact, the company has received 11 offers (the current value of the company is about $2 billion).

One of the bidders is the Texas Pacific Group , which is a mega private equity firm. Actually, the firm has a long track record with airline deals, such as with the turnaround of Continental (NYSE:CAL) as well as the recent purchase of 37.5% of Qantas.

However, TPG takes a scalpel to its buyouts. This could be a problem given Italy's tough unions.

The company's biggest owner is actually Italy. In other words, it may be a sign that the government is finally willing to get tough.

Tom Taulli is the author of various books, including the Complete M&A Handbook and the EDGAR-Online Guide to Decoding Financial Statements.