The Dilemma of Cheap Electronics
Posted in: Internet Use/New Technologies at 11/02/2012 04:39
Last week, an important Times article set off shockwaves in the consumer tech industry by focusing on tragedies and working conditions at Foxconn, the Chinese electronics factory that makes Apple iPhones. It describes excessive overtime, crowding in worker dorms, improper disposal of hazardous waste and unsafe working conditions.
These revelations have shocked a lot of Apple fans -- and fired up a lot of Apple foes. There are petitions and flooded comment boards. This morning, protesters delivered petitions at six major Apple stores, including the new one in Grand Central Terminal.
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Apple is the poster child for the conditions at the Foxconn factory, and no wonder: it's the most profitable electronics company. It makes a big, spectacular target. There's an important factor, however, that seems to be largely missing from the conversation, though it was noted in the article: Apple isn't the only company that builds electronics at Chinese factories. The truth is, almost all of them do.
http://pogue.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/02/09/the-dilemma-of-cheap-electronics/
