I also found it difficult to suss out the general point connecting the two events, but I suppose broadly speaking the outsized role of largely unspoken (and undiscussed) choices in both seems significant.
The point is that we outsourced everything. Being on the top of a hollowed out value chain, while efficient, is a precarious place to be, because the bottom of the chain can just flip you on your head. A good brand will allow you to release one flop, but not three. The name of Compaq’s supplier in Taiwan? Asus.
The article does have two good topics, and I can see the connection, but it does detract from the message. There are some very important things said about Coronavirus, and USA should be taking notice of this right now, but unfortunately if I forward the article on to someone, the first thing they will read will be some PC industry history.
But the latter part, about how Taiwan is handling the situation, I thought was pretty interesting.