New York Times Explains Why Apple Outsources to China

This is a discussion thread for the "New York Times Explains Why Apple Outsources to China" story posted on the front page.

So why did they make the iPod Touch out of the most scratch-able material known to man.

That I need to know because my iPod within a couple of days after I unboxed it, it got scratched before I put my case on, however my iPhone 4 is in perfect condition!!

Not only that, but also China is much cheaper.

Also, where were they planning on making the iPhone before then?! Some of the things that people say about Steve Jobs doesn't make much sense. Why would he say I don't to make a device that scratches in peoples pocket then make the iPod Touch.

Sweatshops much? The one thing I dislike about Apple is that everything it made in a sweatshop.

Unfortunately, most companies do this nowadays. If a company's job is to make as big of a profit as possible, and they have the option of offshoring to make things cheaper, gain more buyers, and please investors, then why would they ever make something here where they would have to pay workers 25 bucks an hour or so as opposed to 70 cents an hour?

Personally, I wouldn't mind spending more (and I have done it before) on a product that's made in a country with labor laws that are more fair.

Doesn't bother me if it keeps prices down. [/sarcasm]

iPhone is his pride and joy baby. The iTouch is the red-headed step child he keeps around to do the chores.

I agree, I also wouldn't mind paying more for a product with fair labor.