Chinese PC Maker Looks to Buy IBM's PC Business

idril writes "According to The New York Times (free registration required), China's largest PC maker is reportedly in talks to buy IBM's PC business. Lenovo, formerly known as Legend, is the leading PC maker in Asia outside Japan. Lenovo sells primarily low cost PCs; acquiring IBM's business would help them raise their brand recognition and status among more affluent, brand-conscious consumers."

Comments

Re:Trouble with a Capital "T"

[bstarrfield]

IBM is selling the proverbial noose that will strangle the West. Selling out our technological base to an entity owned partially by the Chinese government is a recipe for disaster. I know it sounds alarmist, but this is a recipe for long term catastrophe.

The US is becoming a third world country. IBM sells an entire division to China - now a Chinese firm becomes one of the top three world PC makers - and not just on cheap PCs, but near the top. Worse, IBM sells this firm its PC patents, manufacturing processes, engineering knowledge. Several thousand more Americans are out of work (either from being laid off from IBM or through further competition from Chinese firms), and our technological base erodes. Good thing we can export grain, leather products, and beef.

However, Wall Street will likely respond to IBM's sale with a rise in IBM's stock price; the Bush administration won't raise a fuss due to their unquestioning support for "free trade" and Red China; most people won't care as prices for PC's will continue to fall.

I wonder how the workers in "Lenovo" are treated. What hours do they work? Do they have health care? Do they have any freedoms? When you go to Wall-Mart and purchase that Chinese made PC - likely soon with the IBM label - think of the people who slaved over it.