'The hippest thing around'


At Apple's annual shareholder meeting, questions about the company's environmental record were raised, including accusations of exporting toxic e-waste and using prison labor. As a long-time Apple observer, I wonder what motivation is behind these accusations given the company's strong green credentials.

There is a blow-by-blow account of Jobs' comments available at Yahoo News, but I think this whole contrived matter can be distilled down to a pair of quotes.

"Why is this group spreading this disinformation about Apple's environmental policies? We don't really know, but we think their goal is to use Apple's visibility to gain publicity for their own group."

He also told those assembled that the leader of the group told the Kansas City Star (available by subscription only) last month, "We picked the iPod to go after because it's the hippest thing around."

It's hard to argue with logic like that.

Of course, you too can help the environment by "reducing, re-using and recycling," educating yourself and venting your spleen here.

What's your take?