Apple marketing is run by some of the most diabolical minds in the mobile biz, which is why every year at this time tech sites are eagerly sharing the latest rumours for months on end in anticipation of the latest unveiling of Apple goodness. It seems they took the lazy way out this year, choosing to ride the wave created with a similar stunt last year with the iPhone 4. Found in a German beer garden, last year’s prototype was “lost” by an Apple employee, prompting an “intense search” by Apple security.

Apparently this year, the prototype was taken from a Mexican bar and grill and sold on Craigslist for $200. Apple and police allegedly traced it to a home, and even offered the man cash outright for the device - no questions asked. Whether or not Apple figured we might just be dumb enough to believe the same scenario twice, the fact remains it worked. Tech sites everywhere (us included) are spreading the news, generating even more buzz leading up to the next Apple event.

Strange that even after Apple “intensified security” after last year, something like this could happen again, right? In my mind, not at all. Marketing at its finest folks, with the desired effect, and I make no apologies for assisting in the generation of the buzz. While I may scoff at the “recycled” nature of the stunt, I still tip my hat at those responsible.

Only question I pose to you, the reader, is this: is Apple trying to tell us that their employees are a bunch of lushes hanging out in bars with valuable prototype devices, and that they hire not one, but two people irresponsible enough to lose them? Sheesh, just leave it in a Starbucks next year, validate the stereotype, and leave a big sticker on it that includes the tip emails for every major tech site - just saying.

[via:CNet]