Microsoft boss Steve Ballmer wants to spend research and development dollars like it was the 1930s-era Great Depression.

The volume control-impaired CEO told investors at its annual mid-year chat that Microsoft intends to stuff the company's R&D larders in anticipation for when economic conditions aren't quite so dire. But he warned the downturn will likely persist for the next several years.

Ballmer said he ordered his corporate strategy lackeys to research how other big companies weathered past US recessions and discovered a new corporate kinship in the former electronics maker, RCA.

"RCA — God rest them in peace — RCA became our role model," bellowed Ballmer. "They actually kept investing in R&D through the Depression period, and post-Depression they dominated TV technology because they were really the only guys who had invested."