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Consumer Reports Gives a Thumbs-Down to Apple iPhone 4 Because of Antenna Issues

submitted on July 13, 2010 by HouTex in "Products / Gadgets"

http://www.zdnet.com/blog/btl/.....in;content

http://www.zdnet.com/blog/btl/.....ag=nl.e539

The magazine’s own tests confirm the signal degradation when users touch the side antenna, even though CR noted a fix available by applying duct tape to the antenna or buying a case. The magazine also questioned Apple’s claim that the iPhone 4’s signal-strength issues were caused by miscalculating the bars that are displayed on the device.

Consumer Reports seems willing to recommend the iPhone 4 later (that’s how well-liked it was) but “Apple needs to come up with a permanent—and free—fix for the antenna problem before we can recommend the iPhone 4.”

So the ball is back in Apple’s court. Instead of selling consumers a $30 case to “fix” the problem, maybe iPhone 4 should be repackaged to include a case, along with a warning that failure to use the case could result in a poor signal for the phone. Maybe it should invite iPhone 4 owners in for a free case or issue refunds to those who’ve already purchased them.

Sales of the iPhone 4 were strong right out of the gate - but it’s important to note that 77 percent of those initial sales were upgrades by existing iPhone owners.

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professor

1

Posted by outcastplo313 on July 13, 2010
[reply] 3 0

I also heard the camera isn't good.

professor

Posted by vectra5 on July 13, 2010

[reply]

That's why I never jump on a newly released product. I wait till manufacturers come up with a 2 version, where they take care of most problems reported with the 1st one and enjoy the product.

professor

Posted by webbyone2010 on July 13, 2010

[reply]

Consumer Reports also says that duct tape will fix the antenna issue. Yay, duct tape!

admin

Posted by HouTex on July 16, 2010

[reply]

Rumors of a possible recall are all over the 'Net. http://www.mainstreet.com/arti.....l-iphone-4

An Irish bookmaker is even taking bets, with the odds in favor of a recall. http://www.zdnet.com/blog/btl/.....call/36696

But analysts estimate that a recall could cost Apple $1.5 billion. http://news.cnet.com/8301-3102.....3-260.html

What would be more likely--and cheaper--is that Apple could issue a free rubber bumper case with each phone. That would prevent a person's hand from coming into contact with the phone's antenna, which is built into its exterior metal strip. Although Apple charges $29 at retail for the rubber cases, estimates are that giving them away to iPhone 4 customers would cost the company only $1 per unit.

admin

Posted by HouTex on July 16, 2010

[reply]

Notes from the live press conference:

They're trying to shift the debate away from the iPhone and onto antennas in general. Jobs says this is "life in the smartphone world" and that "every phone has weak spots."
He called it "Antennagate," not unique to iPhone.
"We didn't think it would be a big problem because every phone has this issue," Jobs says. The percentage of users who have called Apple about antenna or reception issues is 0.55%

In the end, they announced free bumpers for iPhone users. They will offer a choice of cases on their web site beginning next week.

5,000 users e-mailed Jobs saying it works for them perfectly, so Jobs said that even with the data, this has been "blown way out of proportion."

Those who already bought cases will get a full refund. This will go on through late September. But Apple cannot make enough bumpers, and they are working with third parties to source free cases for users.

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admin

Posted by HouTex on July 16, 2010 [reply] 0 0

iPhone Antenna Song

Fix it yourself

professor

2 3

Posted by orangearrows on July 16, 2010

[reply]

They just offered condoms for the Iphone.

http://www.engadget.com/2010/0.....e-4-users/

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novice

Posted by Tarun on July 16, 2010 [reply] 0 0

Hope they have fun with their class action lawsuit.

http://www.lunarsoft.net/news/.....le-and-att

professor

2 3

Posted by orangearrows on July 16, 2010

[reply]

if I were to apply this new case which they are providing on the iphone 4 and it does not fit my already purchased holster - are they going to refund me the $$ for the holster too. Technically they should. Since the holster was designed for a bare phone and not one with a condom on it.

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admin

Posted by YanBz on July 16, 2010 [reply] 0 0

I doubt this will be the case. You should join the law suit if you think you got screwed.

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