I think Microsoft would be the would be the better option. Firstly its a monopoly, it has 20 billion in cash and there is a lot of optimism surrounding Windows 7. For the 12 months at least things are not looking so good for Intel. Intel CEO Paul Otellini said they could possible make their first loss in 20 years. Moving to thinner manufacting processes are common and constant (every 2 years) in the tech world and therefore the benefits are negligible. With AMD Phenom 2 doing selling well and gaining market share its not going to be easy competing it the current environment. Also AMD's asset-lite strategy is probably the better option considering that Intel's doing the same thing, TSMC-Intel deal.
Why My Money Is on Intel [View article]