Great R&D produces innovative and market stimulating products in my book. Microsoft hasn't impressed me, personally, for quite a long time. I realize this is a subjective idea to discuss - but neither Nokia or Microsoft are leaders in the mobile space (trying to create a bit of focus here since Microsoft has many facets). If you're not a leader in a segment you're not developing new and innovative products. Granted I think Apple and Google are coasting a bit right now, this comes back to innovators dilemma - which is what Nokia has grappled with going from a market innovator to irrelevant respectively (to the US market anyway). Just my $0.02, but trying to provide context.