#Amiga Laptop?
The problem John, is that it is a U.S. *company* competing against a
Japanese *keiretsu*, which is a group of powerful companies — more like a
consortium. Their practices (preferential pricing, "old boy" networks,
etc.) are illegal in the U.S. and as a result, very (VERY) few U.S.
companies are large enough to compete one-on-one with the Japanese.
The latest Fortune magazine has a good article (Why the Japanese Keep
Winning) on this subject. It is very enlightening.
The big problem is a difference in philosophy. U.S. philosophy is "play
fair" and "every one has a fair chance" whereas the Japanese philosophy is
"keep Japan economically stable". Personally, I think our system should be
adopted to more along their lines, but with leaniency towards fledgling
companies and new ventures.
One note is that you don't hear about Japanese cities & provinces filing
for bankruptcy ala Maine and Conn!
-Chas