Apple, Apple, Apple!

There has been lots of buzz around Apple lately.  Most of the buzz today was surrounding a recent report of Apple’s factory conditions in China.  For the most part China has a bit of a reputation for not providing equal and just treatment of their employees so the fact that this report is coming from China as opposed to one of the other sites of Apple factories is not so surprising.  What is surprising is the fact that this report even exists.  If you’re an Apple fan, like myself, you would probably be shocked to hear about some of the accusations being made.  The accusations range from the mild – not paying correct overtime wages, to fairly severe – hiring people to work at below minimum wage, hiring underage workers and also employing the use of hiring firms that charge inflated fees essentially requiring employees to pay to be able to work in the factory.  Apple has submitted a statement saying that they keep close watch on all of their sites and monitor hiring and appropriate wage policies.  The statement continues to say that Apple makes an effort to listen to employee concerns and respond accordingly in an attempt to keep employees happy and protected from some of the various labor law issues that are so prevalent in Asian countries.  I personally believe Apple goes above and beyond what is expected of them as an employer and that they are dedicated to keeping happy (and, in turn) productive employees.  Had Apple not responded to the allegations in the manner that they did I, along with many other Apple fans may have a major moral dilemma on my hands.

The same day that the news of poor factory conditions in China is released there was a report from our good friends at Piper Jaffray stating that, due to the recent release of the iPhone 3GS and the new line of MacBook Pros, Apple is seeing their stock rise.  Third quarter earnings are expected to be reported next week and those earnings will reflect the success Apple has had in the past few months since their last major release of products.

Finally a little tidbit from the Apple rumor mill.  MacRumors reported yesterday that there has been word oversees that Apple is in the process of acquiring 9.7 touch screens for a new “netbook-like” device.  Official word from Apple is that they aren’t looking to produce any time of low end netbook to compete with the netbooks currently on the market.  (This is not surprising at all considering Apple is invested in and well versed at offering superior technology and isn’t afraid to charge a little more for that technology.)  Apple is also sticking to their original statement that we shouldn’t expect to see something until 2010.  The MacRumors article indicates that these touch screen “tablets” may be out as early as October.  I wouldn’t be surprised if a device like this is announced in October with a release date around the holiday season.  I for one have beenwaiting for this “golden tablet” to be released.  Ever since I bought my iPhone I’ve always thought “it would be wonderful if I could have this functionality and portability in a little bit of a larger size to use as my laptop replacement”.  It has been long awaited, I know the wait will be worth it but I have to say I’m glad to hear we’re seeing the light at the end of the tunnel for this release.

Are you as excited as I am about the idea of an Apple tablet?  Do you think Apple needs to intervene more in the goings on at the factories in China?  Let me know what you think!  Leave it in the comments!