Two of the biggest names in technology have had vastly different years so far. Apple's stock price has jumped considerably since the start of 2010, while Google's dropped early in the year and has yet to fully recover.
What's gone right for Apple
Massive publicity surrounding the launch of the iPad.
An almost insurmountable lead over other smart-phone makers in terms of downloadable applications.
The success of the iTunes store.
What's gone wrong for Google
Distraction and uncertainty over the continuing censorship and cyberspying feud with China.
Less-than-stellar sales of the company's Nexus One smart phone.
A stock price that had already largely rebounded from its 2009 lows by the start of the year.
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THE LIST / CASH KINGS
Tech companies ranked by cash* holdings
1. Hewlett-Packard $13.5-billion
2. IBM $12.1-billion
3. Dell $10.6-billion 4. Google $10.1-billion
5. Microsoft $9.4-billion
6. Oracle $9.3-billion
7. Canon $8.5-billion
8. Nokia $8.5-billion
9. Hitachi $7.7-billion
10. Apple $7.6-billion
* Cash and equivalents, latest quarter.
Source: Capital IQ