Intel Corp. (INTC), first discussed here on March 30, 2009, at a price of $14.72, has dipped toward the $20 level, but just view that retreat as an "extended buying opportunity."

In 2011, the outlook for Intel's fundamental picture to continues to brighten. Revenue should rise 10% to 15% in 2011, after a 24% increase in 2010, as IT spending, the need to upgrade aging computers and new applications increase demand for Intel's next-generation microprocessors.

Integrated circuit and systems software solution provider Qualcomm Inc.'s (QCOM) shares, first discussed here on January 28, 2011, at a price of $53.74, have pulled back about 10% to $54 in early 2011, but just view the retreat as a chance to scoop up shares, if you missed the January entry price.

And the reason is obvious enough: Qualcomm has the right products at the right time. The smartphone segment, aided by the 3G internet, is on fire, which has resulted in record model station modem (msm) chipset shipments.

"We live in a networked world. And much of the backbone of that wired and increasingly wireless data/voice/video network is built on equipment produced by Cisco Systems (CSCO)," says Stephen Leeb.

The editor of Leeb's Income Performance Letter explains, "A colossus of the technology sector, it's the market leader in each of its business segments, including area networks, routing, switching, wireless LANs, web conferencing and digital video.

"Our stock selection is based on assessing the investment criteria of various legendary investors, ranging from Ben Graham to Marty Zweig," explains John Reese.

The editor of Validea newsletter continues, "In this case, our latest feature on Western Digital (WDC) is based on the strategy of Peter Lynch. Indeed, the stock scores a 100% rating based on our Lynch model.

"Western Digital Corporation designs, develops, manufactures and sells hard drives. Its hard drives are used in desktop computers, notebook computers, and enterprise applications such as servers, workstations, network attached storage, storage area networks and video surveillance equipment.

"Marvell Technology (MRVL) delivered disappointing results for its fiscal Q4 2011 (ended January 2011), as well as even more disappointing guidance for its fiscal first quarter," notes tech sector expert Paul McWilliams.

The editor of Next Inning newsletter continues, And to make matters worse, it had one of the poorest conference call presentations that I've ever heard from a major semiconductor company. Nevertheless, we are adding to our position. Here's why.

"We screened the Investors Business Daily (IBD) and Zacks databases to find companies whose earnings are accelerating and whose earnings estimates are being increased by analysts," says J. Royden Ward.

The editor of the Cabot Benjamin Graham Value Letter continues, "All of the stocks in our list have IBD Composite Ratings of 95 (99 is best) and Zacks Ratings of 1 or 2 (1 is best). These recommendations offer excellent appreciation potential with moderate risk.

International Business Machines Corp. (IBM) is down 1.2% to $159.86 as I write this during the afternoon session. Volume is below average, however. More perspective: the 52-week low is $116 and the 52-week high is $166.25. Here's the one-year chart.

A few days ago, IBM received a positive initiation from CLSA, according to our Analyst Calls piece. The stock was given an outperform rating. Indeed, this company has been impressive as of late. I enjoyed the fourth-quarter results myself.

"Buoyed by strong operating momentum, the technology sector earns high marks in our Quadrix® stock- rating system," says Richard Moroney.

The editor of Dow Theory Forecasts explains, "Our favorite picks in the tech sector -Altera (ALTR), Apple (AAPL), IBM (IBM) and Texas Instruments (TXN) - share some favorable qualities.

➤ December-quarter results: All four topped consensus estimates, producing double-digit growth in per- share profits. Revenue also exceeded expectations.

"Chip stocks have always been tough to invest in, as the group has vicious ups and downs," observes Mike Cintolo.

Nevertheless, explains, the editor of Cabot Top Ten Weekly, "Nvidia (NVDA) is one of the hottest stocks out there because investors think it might have the next big thing in the chip world-dubbed Tegra 2.

"Despite the volatility in the chip sector, history shows that many chip firms can produce huge gains if they have a unique new product that's serving a mass market (or, sometimes, a new market ... like camera cell phones back in the early 2000s).

As some of you may know, I own Microsoft Corporation (MSFT). I've discussed my position before. It's been a tough ride with this one. And I'm sure I'm not alone in terms of such opinion.

Microsoft has a reputation for being a frustrating stock. It looks like a value; it seems as if it should be trading higher. But as soon as you purchase the shares, they oftentimes disappoint. At least, that's been my experience.

"Taiwan's economy and its stock market should post solid growth in 2011; we also see warming relations between the island of Taiwan and mainland China," suggests global specialist Yiannis Mostrous.

The editor of The Silk Road Investor explains, "Technology should be a major beneficiary of these near-term themes and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM) is our favorite stock for exposure to the technology turnaround.

"Demand for notebook computers remains solid and mobile phones are expected to sell strongly during the Chinese New Year holiday this week, which will lead to inventory restocking.

Dell (DELL) experienced a good reaction to its latest earnings report on Tuesday, but I don't find myself interested in the stock. The company just doesn't call out to me as a solid buy. Back in September of last year, I noted that there were probably better investment options out there. I tend to feel the same way today.

The 52-week low for the shares is $11.34, while the 52-week high is $17.52. At the time of this writing, the stock was up over 5% to $14.64 during the post-bell period following the release of Dell's Q4 data.

"QuickLogic (QUIK) recently reported fourth quarter revenue slightly below its revised guidance, and forecast that Q1 new product revenue would be down roughly $100K," notes tech sector specialist Paul McWilliams.

In his Next Inning newsletter, he explains, "Both are clearly disappointing pieces of news. However, as I see it, the disappointment ends there, and I continue to own these shares.

"The semiconductor company makes products that enable customers to add new features, extend battery life and enhance images on mobile and consumer products.