Sorry, Apple, and Apple fans, but that's how it goes.

[Jakes Progress]

22. More "common wisdom"

Apples prices aren't higher. Outfit any device with the same features and it will cost the same. I've priced them for a dozen companies. You toss out the loss leader package in the Dell or HP or Sony and fit it up the same as a comp Mac and the price difference is negligible.

And you are the one who needs to understand why Apple is the target. Apple hate. Using Apple as a target actually lessens the chance that there will be changes in the labor sector. It give a warm fuzzy to the Apple haters who are using devices made the same way. The only thing that will make a difference is if people begin boycotting tech altogether. Then buy, at the much higher cost, a device made by a company that enforces rules or makes them here. I'm using a four year old phone and a seven year old computer. I have the wherewithal to buy current tech, but eschew doing so because there is no alternative.

It's the same thing in many walks of our capitalistic world. We make decisions that go against our principles in small ways every day. Maybe we pick up some bread in 10 minutes at the WalMart instead of going without until the Week-end farmer's market. We go ahead an eat a hamburger though we've seen those photos of corporate feedlot practices. There are grass fed alternatives, but they cost more and take more effort. Maybe we get a small suv instead of a car that does better mileage. Maybe we drive to work instead of taking a bus because it is a pain to stand out there in the cold waiting for the public transit.

Having a big old bad guy to hate and avoid only dodges the issue. If you want to change the labor conditions for foreign workers or promote USA union made goods, you have to deal with all of them - not just the one in the spotlight.

And you can rid yourself of your "biggest disappointment". Your understanding of manufacturing needs and numbers is without any substantiation. The last decent estimate I saw of how much a USA mad I-Mac would cost was near seven grand. There is a great deal more than labor costs involved. Infrastructure and skilled labor availability. China has made a point of producing engineers and roads and connecting transport and compacting suppliers while our country has dropped those things from its agenda.

Good motives. But targeting Apple is only a cheap stunt that won't affect a damn thing. Will actually exacerbate the problem. Do keep up the drumbeat for change with whatever company you support with your purchases. But if you aren't an Apple customer, your opinion means nothing to them. Fuss at the people you are giving money to.