Apple Moves Mac Pro Production to China

Post by dwighttk » Fri, Jun 28, 2019, 3:41 PM UTC

derefr wrote: post #26

clubm8 wrote: post #16

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I suspect any modified hardware would be targeted, not every single computer. You probably shouldn't order a computer online if this is your threat model, and instead pay for one off the shelf.

> And instead pay for one off the shelf If a state actor is sufficiently motivated, even in a physical purchase, your computer will just get switched out for a bugged one at the cashier. Common OPSEC practice re: buying hardware (or anything you don’t want your name associated with, really), is to pay an unaffiliated proxy to buy it for you.

Post by ProAm » Fri, Jun 28, 2019, 3:43 PM UTC

josho wrote: post #25

cmpolis wrote: post #19

I wonder how significant the cost differences are for Apple with this move, especially since they mention previously manufacturing in the US and that many components are sourced in the US. How high will the margins be on these devices??

Apple previously (years ago) spoke about the importance of the supply chain, not price as the reason to mfg in China. Steve Jobs gave an example that if you needed to change the design to use a different type of screw then you'd have several manufacturers nearby that you could source from. That's just not possible in the US.

Post by mfatica » Fri, Jun 28, 2019, 3:44 PM UTC

a-afterglow wrote: post #52

TallGuyShort wrote: post #29

For years I've been very happy, productive, and at times stubbornly loyal on my Linux / Lenovo setup, but it seems that so many of my colleagues have embraced Mac that it's gotten harder and harder to not be on the bandwagon. I recently hit the point of deciding maybe I should just have a Mac, but I seem to have done so after Macbook Pros have passed their peak. I don't follow consumer hardware trends much, so what d…

Personally, I'll avoid any Apple products just because of the not uncommon horror stories I hear from customer service.

Post by JumpCrisscross » Fri, Jun 28, 2019, 3:44 PM UTC

muzani wrote: post #32

gentran wrote: post #21

Back in the day, my international economics professor told me corporations will set up, and base their business out of the countries that they see as the most stable. Because of this, it scares me when I see headlines like this, even though it is only production. If anyone has a counterpoint to what he said, I am very interested in hearing it

Why do you say China is unstable? The US is talking about starting a war, had government shutdown issues recently, and has a president that is abrasive on foreign affairs. UK is dealing with brexit. China may have the issue with HK recently, but to an outsider, they look more stable. Of course, something like Japan or Australia seems better, but China isn't a terrible choice.

Post by gruez » Fri, Jun 28, 2019, 3:45 PM UTC

derefr wrote: post #26

clubm8 wrote: post #16

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I suspect any modified hardware would be targeted, not every single computer. You probably shouldn't order a computer online if this is your threat model, and instead pay for one off the shelf.

> And instead pay for one off the shelf If a state actor is sufficiently motivated, even in a physical purchase, your computer will just get switched out for a bugged one at the cashier. Common OPSEC practice re: buying hardware (or anything you don’t want your name associated with, really), is to pay an unaffiliated proxy to buy it for you.