All things being equal, it seems that Apple is doing more than everyone else. But Apple is being bashed for not "Doing The Right Thing." So where's the bashing for Google? HTC? Samsung? Dell? I agree that the industry needs to continue to improve conditions. I find it heartening that even the Apple Haters admit that Apple is doing more than the rest.

I'm not a believer in dramatic, overnight change. That level of change tends to create more problems than it solves. To expect Apple to come in, wave their cash and change the culture is naive, immature and smacks of the arrogance we as westerners are always accused of.

While I do think the quickness of the report makes it less credible, it's interesting to note that the folks who accuse the company of "whitewashing" things also mention that the employees would put on a good show for the evaluators to make sure Apple sticks with Foxconn.

Of course they would. Because, despite whatever "abuses" are going on, the workers seem to want their jobs. It would be interesting to ask them if they would like to go back to the way things were before the factories came in.

It seems that the Apple-hating folks always assume the worst, despite at least *some* proof to the contrary. Could there be rampant explotation and de-humanization of the employees? Sure. Could this be the nirvana of all workplaces, with everyone smiling, well-rested and well-to-do while doing lots of work? Sure.

My guess is that the truth is somewhere inbetween. Since Apple appears to be making an effort to be honest (let's not forget that initiated this freely) and working to improve things, I'll cut them some slack. I'm sure if this whole thing is a cover-up and Foxconn is really a current day Rura Penthe, I'll be the first to turn in my iDevices.

(or if they start charging for software per-device!)

I love this place.

Yeah. I'd switch, but ... No Mac client? WTF?