[Radius]

Well, more seriously than Steve Jobs anyhow. This is from slashdot.org:

"Sometimes, news items are just about a good laugh. You may or may not like Apple, but the way it has been handling their antenna issue has been like a small tech soap-opera. Steve Jobs, the CEO, claiming "not to hold the phone that way", rumors or software issues, and the latest but most crunchy part, since the antenna issue has been widely discovered, on the 23 june, several "Antenna engineer" positions opened up at Apple. Seems someone got fired: Antenna engineer job position 1, Antenna engineer job position 2, Antenna engineer job position 3."

Hopefully they can get it right next time.

[Pi Guy 3.14]

They should totally hire this guy:

http://forums.crackberry.com/f36/how...k-like-487937/

He's got the right idea.

[scorpiodsu]

If they can, they better fix it asap. I haven't experienced dropped call or anything but I can drop the signal with the "death grip". That's just not good enough. A very big reason why people smash the iPhone is because of AT&T so now the device has a design that can give your poorer network experience? That's a bad job by Apple. I like my phone but I'm definitely not going to settle for this type of stuff.

[Radius]

If they can, they better fix it asap. I haven't experienced dropped call or anything but I can drop the signal with the "death grip". That's just not good enough. A very big reason why people smash the iPhone is because of AT&T so now the device has a design that can give your poorer network experience? That's a bad job by Apple. I like my phone but I'm definitely not going to settle for this type of stuff.

The one thing that worries me is the software "fix" that is rumored. What if the fix amounts to boosting the radio power if it falls below a certain threshold? That might not be the best idea.

I think the rubber bumper idea is a winner though, or just a silicone case. I personally always get a case for my phones so they stay looking good and have better resale value when I go to unload them later on. But i can understand if people just want a good looking phone in their hand without a case. It's a bugger of a problem.

[2000 Man]

Not fixable through any software update. AppleInsider | Wireless experts weigh in on iPhone 4 reception issues

[scorpiodsu]

The one thing that worries me is the software "fix" that is rumored. What if the fix amounts to boosting the radio power if it falls below a certain threshold? That might not be the best idea.

I think the rubber bumper idea is a winner though, or just a silicone case. I personally always get a case for my phones so they stay looking good and have better resale value when I go to unload them later on. But i can understand if people just want a good looking phone in their hand without a case. It's a bugger of a problem.

Yeah the bumper does cover the problem. I had a bumper on mine. It's doesn't take a lot from the phone but I just wanted to keep it "naked" for a while and plus Apple is charging 29 bucks for them. Right now I just have an invisible shield to protect from scracthes. I'll eventually get another bumper if needed but Apple should be giving them out for free if it can't be fixed with a software fix. And I do agree, boosting the radio power may not be the best idea for the longevity of the device. I mean some people do actually keep their iPhones for longer than a year and if your doing something that can damage internal parts because of the software "fix" then that's not good either.

[Radius]

I get upset anytime a PhD weighs in on anything. I've had to fix so much crap they break in the past it just makes me angry they would even dare to comment on anything real world.

[xxxxpradaxxxx]

Radius, please, can I get a:

"I TOLD YA SO"

[infamyx]

There is only one way to fix it, and that's putting a case on it unless Apple goes back to re-engineer the design or puts some coating on it (and seeing as how Apple is openly seeking antenna specialist as of the 23rd id say they are going to try and fix it).

Apple just needs to eat their loss of possible profits on these bumpers and give them away to customers to keep them happy. The longer it stays in the news the worst it will be for Apple (its already on CNN) when more customers realized they are getting ****ed over bit time.

[Entertainment72]

So much hot air in here today. For some crazy reason I can make crystal clear calls without a case of any sort.

Chopper Gunner > AC130

I can't believe I have the only iPhone 4 that makes calls without a case. Wow!

[xxxxpradaxxxx]

I want an iPhone 4

[infamyx]

So much hot air in here today. For some crazy reason I can make crystal clear calls without a case of any sort.

Chopper Gunner > AC130

I can't believe I have the only iPhone 4 that makes calls without a case. Wow!

You must be holding it how Steve told you lol.

Chopper Gunner is overrated and easily shot down, and its just as easy to get a nuke with an AC-130 so yeah.

[Radius]

Radius, please, can I get a:

"I TOLD YA SO"

You get that x2.

And as for making crystal clear calls I am not surprised. I am not going into the whole technical side again but bottom line it will be different for every person that holds the phone. For many many reasons.

[Radius]

Or not, read this from Apple. Apparently they are trying to sweep it under the rug for now and still blame users. I mean honestly, we all know reception is impacted by where you hold a phone but it should never be this serious. Nor should it warrant these directions to tech support people.

Leak shows Apple's spin on iPhone 4 flaws - CNN.com

[scorpiodsu]

Or not, read this from Apple. Apparently they are trying to sweep it under the rug for now and still blame users. I mean honestly, we all know reception is impacted by where you hold a phone but it should never be this serious. Nor should it warrant these directions to tech support people.

Leak shows Apple's spin on iPhone 4 flaws - CNN.com

I fully agree. Any phone is affect if you cover the antenna for an extended period of time but the iPhone 4 is affected more since it's on the outside of the phone. And what makes it worst is the placement of the antenna. Since it's on the bottom left side it's almost impossible to not palm it there if you're left handed or cover it with a finger if you're right handed unless you make a conscious effort to not cover it. I mean if it's placed on the very top or bottom of the phone or the top right I'm sure most people would barely touch it.

Luckily for myself, I don't talk that much on the phone and when I do it's usually short spurts so I can get away with it but for others who spend hours talking it can be a real inconvenience. Apple just needs to give out the bumpers for free instead of the arrogant attitude towards the issue. They don't have to admit there's design flaw, just admit that the issue is more prevalent because it's on the outside instead of the inside of the phone. Pass out bumpers to "protect" the antenna then more people are happy.

[gabead]

Yeah the bumper does cover the problem. I had a bumper on mine. It's doesn't take a lot from the phone but I just wanted to keep it "naked" for a while and plus Apple is charging 29 bucks for them. Right now I just have an invisible shield to protect from scracthes. I'll eventually get another bumper if needed but Apple should be giving them out for free if it can't be fixed with a software fix. And I do agree, boosting the radio power may not be the best idea for the longevity of the device. I mean some people do actually keep their iPhones for longer than a year and if your doing something that can damage internal parts because of the software "fix" then that's not good either.

Well you do have 30 days to return it. Instead of dealing with an ongoing issue. It is an expensive phone and all the research they have done should have fixed this issue. I wouldn't want to be stuck with a potential problem. The fact they already had the bumbers out suggests to me that was a back up plan.

[infamyx]

Well you do have 30 days to return it. Instead of dealing with an ongoing issue. It is an expensive phone and all the research they have done should have fixed this issue. I wouldn't want to be stuck with a potential problem. The fact they already had the bumbers out suggests to me that was a back up plan.

He can return it but the restocking fee is the price of a case to alleviate the issue, and Apple isn't taking the blame for its antenna so you can't return it for free (return due to faulty hardware doesn't cost you anything).

boygeniusreport.com/2010/07/01/exclusive-conversation-with-steve-jobs-on-the-iphone-4-antenna-problems/

Apple is screwing up their rep over this, you can tell they don't know what to do since this is a high profile product that makes their most money. Recall it and tarnish the brand, or stay silent and hope it blows over?

[SevereDeceit]

My work posted this a little while ago...

Consumers sue Apple over iPhone antenna problems | Reuters

[scorpiodsu]

Well you do have 30 days to return it. Instead of dealing with an ongoing issue. It is an expensive phone and all the research they have done should have fixed this issue. I wouldn't want to be stuck with a potential problem. The fact they already had the bumbers out suggests to me that was a back up plan.

I know you can return it. But for me, it's not a big issue for me to return it. I can imagine it is for others it is a big issue. But there are a lot of people that don't care because even with the issue it's still the best phone and best performing phone on AT&T and everyone doesn't jump ship for a phone. I asked my wife does she see any issues with her signal when she covers the antenna. Know what she say? "What antenna problems? The iPhone has antenna issues". She's had the phone for a week and with the internet coverage and some tv coverage she still wasn't aware. Shockingly, I'm not surprised. It's not enough for me to give up the phone YET but that doesn't mean Apple doesn't need to do anything because some people aren't affected by it.

[gabead]

He can return it but the restocking fee is the price of a case to alleviate the issue, and Apple isn't taking the blame for its antenna so you can't return it for free (return due to faulty hardware doesn't cost you anything).

boygeniusreport.com/2010/07/01/exclusive-conversation-with-steve-jobs-on-the-iphone-4-antenna-problems/

Apple is screwing up their rep over this, you can tell they don't know what to do since this is a high profile product that makes their most money. Recall it and tarnish the brand, or stay silent and hope it blows over?

Good points all around, how much is the stocking fee? Would it be worth to pay to get out of the iphone 4 and get another phone? I think your right, I am sure they do not want to hear the words "Recall."

[TheScionicMan]

If it's a problem, return the phone within the 30 day period. If it's not, use the phone and don't sue over it. You can't have your cake and eat it too...

[andyahs]

My biggest issue with all of this is Steve Jobs attitude about his prized baby. He is banking on people just keeping the phone with a case or bumper until next years release where the issue will be fixed. The money is still pouring into Apple so why should he be concerned. Microsoft had the same attitude with Vista and left it until they rolled out Windows 7.

[EJDwyer]

That's exactly my problem with the whole thing too. Like you, sometimes I struggle to see much difference between Apple's attitude and Microsoft, yet somehow their general public image is so different. Do you reckon Jobs has a portrait somewhere in his attic that is really really hated?

[JoJoCal19]

I can drop the signal by 2 bars if I hold it with the "deathgrip" long enough but am I going to return it? No. Because there is not another phone I want to use. I sure as **** am not going to use my Storm as my primary. I bought a white bumper lastnight because I need grip for the phone since I keep it on my lap while I drive so I guess I just killed 2 birds with one stone.

[scorpiodsu]

If it's a problem, return the phone within the 30 day period. If it's not, use the phone and don't sue over it. You can't have your cake and eat it too...

I fully agree. I'm still trying to figure out how you are going to really try to sue them when you can simply just take the phone back. This is not toyota selling cars with bad brakes or whatever and you can't take a car back. It's a cell phone that you've had for a week. What kind of distress did Apple cause that you cannot reverse by taking the phone back. I just don't get it. And I don't wanna hear "it's the principle". That's even more stupid. Just take the phone back. Having said that, Apple still needs to address it in some way especially when you have that loyal of a following, you need to be less arrogant.

UPDATE: Apparently Apple is going to released a software update. They are saying that the formula used to show the number of bars is incorrect so you can be in a area with a weak signal but your phone would still show 5 bars. And when you pick it up it drops to 3 which is more accurate. So while the 3 is the more accurate signal, seeing the bars drop makes it seem like there's something wrong with the antenna. This is what they said. We will see. Also they said you can return for a full refund so I'm guessing no restocking fee and users can be made whole. Check out the link.

Apple releases statement about iPhone reception, fix due in “a few weeks” « Boy Genius Report