Since Microsoft Is Giving Dell $2 Billion, Let's Take A Look At Its Spotty History Of Investing

AP Dell, after he heard about Ballmer's loan. (Just kidding, not actually Dell.)

Last week, Microsoft announced plans to loan $2 billion to Dell, which is trying to take itself private in a $24 billion buyout.

It's a pretty surprising move because it looks like Microsoft is playing favorites with one of its PC partners. However, Microsoft hasn't been shy about making investments, or big partnerships in the past.

Since Microsoft has been a fairly active investor through the years, here's a look back how good it is at picking winners and losers when it comes to investments and partnerships. (This slideshow excludes outright acquisitions, which are whole separate issue.)