Apple's reputation is taking a beating with growing calls for a consumer boycott of Apple products. It seems that shiny new iPads come at high human cost.  But how much do you really care? Will you put down your Apple products in protest?  Will you step out of the line for a new iPhone?  At the very least, will you share your opinion with friends and rate Apple's karma?

The announcement of Apple's off-the-charts results for the last quarter had groupies and analysts frothing - $46 billion in revenues, 37 million iPhones and 15 million iPads sold. But by far the more contagious news has centred on the barbaric treatment of Chinese workers in parts of Apple's supply chain.

The story isn't a new one, but this time it's been fired up by mainstream journalists and outraged commentators and consumers.  The latest chapter started with a New York Times article on January 25 entitled, "In China, human costs are built into an iPad".   

It's become clear that Apple has been aware of the issues but is conflicted in dealing with them. But what's that they say about principles, it's not realy a principle until it costs you money?

Anti-Apple momentum is building with The Observer posting this today, "Apple hit by boycott call over worker abuse in China". 

As a conscious consumer you can voice your opinion by a) keeping your money in your pocket and/or, b) putting your views about Apple on the record and into circulation via Brandkarma.

You decide Apple's karma.

(image via pcmag.com)