Apple Computer Rewards its Shareholders - Microsoft Does Not

While Microsoft's (MSFT) stock has been flat for more than four years, Apple Computer's (AAPL) stock has been on an upside tear that has taken the stock from $10 to over $80. Even if the AAPL were to correct 20 percent or more, its gains would be impressive.

Apple has a long history of producing well designed and engineered products that burst upon the consumer product scene with spectacular success. Apple is known for its innovations like the Mac mini and iPod. On the other hand Microsoft has become a sluggish behemoth with many of its products struggling to make money. If it were not for Windows and its office applications, Microsoft would be hard pressed to be profitable.

You can see the difference in the two companies by looking at their web sites. The Apple site is crisp and features its current array of products. In contrast the Microsoft site it hard to use, full of computer jargon and is like a maze to navigate.

The stock prices tell the story as investors have voted with their pocket books. Apple is in high gear and Microsoft is stuck in neutral.