When AMD recently signed on a veteran chipmaking exec from IBM, it probably knew that a time-tested exec was needed to ensure it could transition its manufacturing to new nanotechnology processes, since both it and Intel are starting to change the way microchips and high-performance computer processors are made.

It's seriously a major shift in this field when the first new materials are starting to be used for newer chips -- the first changes in over 40 years.

Doug Grose, the new AMD exec in charge of technology development, said that the company has already made the first test chips using 45nm process technology. This is the first step in making more powerful chips with much smaller sizes. The recent move to "65nm process technology" -- yes, that's 65 nanometers -- is already fully developed and ready to ramp up according to Grose.

The move is now to 45nm technology, meaning even smaller chips with more powerful capabilities. Grose says that AMD will be producing early 45nm products probably in Q2 of 2008 -- a little over a year away. While Intel is moving to a new kind of technology for its 45nm chips, it's unclear what exact technology AMD will be using.

Each year Steven Halpern, editor of TheStockAdvisors.com, surveys the leading financial newsletter advisors asking for their favorite stocks for the coming year. This article is part of his 24th annual Top Picks Report.

The BASF Group (NYSE: BF) is the top conservative idea for 2007 from Gregg Early, editor of The Real Nanotech Investor: A Small World of Big Profits. He notes, "BASF is one of the premier chemicals companies in the world and it's well positioned to be the most dominant and influential chemical company of the 21st century.

"Nanotech is to this century what chemistry was to the 20th century -- one of the most pervasive advancements in every aspect of our lives.

"Like penicillin or the transistor, it will take society decades to fully realize the implications. BASF is already well on its way to applying the lessons it has long been learning on this front.

Each year Steven Halpern, editor of TheStockAdvisors.com, surveys the leading financial newsletter advisors asking for their favorite stocks for the coming year. This article is part of his 24th annual Top Stocks Report.

Symyx Technologies (NASDAQ: SMMX) is the top speculative pick for 2007 from nanotech expert Josh Wolfe. The editor of the Forbes/Wolfe Nanotech Report says, "Santa Clara, California-based Symyx is one of the nanotech materials companies in our model Nanosphere portfolio.

"SMMX is a research services company focused on serving the chemical, energy, pharmaceutical, and electronics industries. It works closely with alliance partners ExxonMobil and Dow Chemical to provide research services, develop and sell discovery tools systems, and license software and intellectual property.

"We believe that the biggest source of value in Symyx is in spin-off opportunities. Two have, in fact, been funded by venture capital firms. In addition, materials that they are commercializing are now coming to market and will earn them royalties on top of the service and hardware revenues they already receive.

"For the four financial quarters ended September 30, 2006, Symyx generated $33 million in cash flow on revenues of $116 million. Revenues for the first nine months of 2006 were up 10% versus the same period in 2005. Symyx shares bottomed just below $20 in October of 2006."

Each year Steven Halpern, editor of TheStockAdvisors.com, surveys the leading financial newsletter advisors asking for their favorite stocks for the coming year. This article is part of his 24th annual Top Picks Report.

Maxwell Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: MXWL) is the top speculative pick for 2007 from Gregg Early. The editor of The Real Nanotech Investor: A Small World of Big Profits explains, "Maxwell specializes in a very arcane field, even in nanotechnology companies.

"Most of the press goes to bio-nano, batteries, or cosmetics when the press gets a hold of a nanotech story. Sure they're sexy -- curing cancer, electric vehicles, rub-on facelifts -- but they don't always have the substance that a business needs to make a real breakthrough.

"Maxwell is one of the few companies that specializes in capacitors and increasingly, ultracapacitors. This new generation of capacitor has the potential to revolutionize motive and stationary power storage and distribution as we know it. The company has just inked a deal for a 3 million unit order from one of Europe's largest wind turbine makers, which doubled the initial order the wind company previously placed. A very good sign.

"Maxwell is also working with a German OEM (original equipment manufacturer) regarding ignition systems that could make car batteries obsolete. There's certainly risk here but there's also plenty of potential reward. Buy Maxwell up to 14.35 as a 'home run' play."

To see Gregg's favorite conservative stock for 2007, click here.