Unfortunately for the Apple haters out there other phones DO exhibit similar behavior. Maybe not as visible because of the algorithm Apple used and then changed, but it still exists.
There are lots of posts on various sites of people with 9700's, HTC devices, etc who tried it and are able to replicate it. Again, maybe not as much loss in terms of "bars" but every manufacturer uses a different algorithm so its not an apples to apples comparison per say. BUT the behavior DOES exist outside the iphone.
Now, before you posts "but but my BB doesnt do that, BB FTW!" consider that not all iphone 4's are showing the behavior as well, just like not all HTC's or BB's etc. It will depends on your coverage area, etc. It really depends what dB youre sitting at and the algorithm of how the bars are displayed- the dB cutoff range for each bar displayed
If you cant admit other people can replicate this on other types of phones then you are too blinded by your fanaticism of your own device to see the reality. Could Apple have handled it better? Sure of course. BUT I think a free case is quite a good gesture by a company who sold 3 million in about 3 weeks, and still have huge waiting lists and didnt really HAVE to offer anything as sales are still going strong and returns are still extremely low.
I personally think Jobs was ok in pointing out other phones doing it. People are ripping the iphone 4 like its the only phone ever to see this kind of behavior and the uneducated people about tech simply believe the media at face value who simply regurgitate each others story. If you dont think businesses point out each other's flaws, then you havent been around much or know much about marketing/advertising because you see it daily.
I find RIM's response a little absurd when there are TONS of reports of being able to replicate this, at least on the new Bold series (
Can you make your current phone lose signal depending on how you hold it? � Boy Genius Report as one example). Search youtube and the web and youll see plenty of undeniable video evidence of such. Global leading antenna design my ****, it exhibits the SAME behavior and people can in fact show it very clearly. People just didnt notice or care before until something as huge and popular as the iphone got into the media showing it and everyone started checking their phones feverishly.
I think people need to get a grip (no pun intended) and use the phone they choose to use and stop the childish bickering over this antenna thing. If you like the phone go use it and take the free case, if you dont return it and get something else. But dont expect other phones cant possibly exhibit similar behavior.