Google Refutes Apple's Claim that Devices Can't be Built in US

Apple's been criticized in the past for not manufacturing its products in the U.S., and has given a number of excuses when pressed on the matter. However, Google has now proven that high-tech goods can be produced in the U.S., the company's new Nexus Q is "Designed and Manufactured in the USA" according to the inscription on the device.

There are a number of reasons why Apple manufacturers products in factories in China and other Far East countries, not only are workers cheaper, but overseas factories offer more flexibility, diligence and industrial skills. A report has also claimed that Apple has to manufacturer the iPad in China in order to get access to rare earth materials.

When asked why Apple isn't manufacturing the iPhone in the US, Apple's late-CEO Steve Jobs told U.S. President Barack Obama in February 2011: "Those jobs aren't coming back," complaining that there is a massive skills shortage in the US prohibiting the manufacturer of such goods there. (See also "Where Did I come From? The Origins of My Macbook.").

Google's Andy Rubin said that the company had made a conscious effort to test the possibility of manufacturing in the U.S. with this product: "We've been absent for so long," he said, referring to manufacturing not happening in the U.S., and added: "We decided, 'Why don't we try it and see what happens?'"

The report in the New York Times notes that consumer electronics manufacturers will be closely watching this case, to see if it disproves the accepted wisdom that consumer electronics products can no longer be made in the United States.

However, Google's device has a high price than similar devices manufactured outside of the country, notes the report. The report also notes that Google is not disclosing details about where components of the device were manufactured.

see original article at PCWorld