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What was touted as the most successful product launch in Apple's history has quickly turned into a PR nightmare. Shortly after the much anticipated iPhone 4 went on sale, a number of blogs uncovered a problem with device's antenna -- simply touching a spot on the phone's lower left side could cause the signal to significantly degrade. Apple downplayed the issue claiming that the iPhone was erroneously calculating and displaying reception bars, promising that a fix was on the way. But that's not expected to do much in the way of avoiding lost signal.
This week Consumer Reports jumped in on the matter with a new brief that supposedly confirms, after extensive testing, that the problems are real. And even though it also assigns Apple's newest phone the "highest rated" score as the best smartphone currently available, it's conclusion was that it "can't recommend" buying the iPhone 4 until Apple addresses its antenna issues with a free fix. The report also takes some heat away from AT&T's much criticized network.
Consumer Reports said it had tested other smartphones in its labs, including the previous iPhone 3GS model as well as the Palm Pre, and found that none showed the same loss of signal as the iPhone 4 (while also noting that applying a piece of duct tape to cover the lower left hand side of the phone solves the signal attenuation problem). Curiously, Apple seems to be censoring discussions of the controversial review on its public message board at discussions.apple.com.
Despite reviews pointing out the phone's signal problem, demand isn't slowing down -- the device has been in short supply since it went on sale June 24. If you're among the iPhone 4's early buyers don't hesitate to share your experience thus far.
User Comments: 32
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tengeta said:
Everyone calm down, the iPhone 5 will be coming out soon enough.
Yes, and with two antenna gaps, one for each hand.......
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Here's another upcoming problem - glass shattering. My phone was in the cell phone pocket of my purse when I left work. When got home I took it out to find that the glass on the back was completely shattered. Shards of glass even fell out. I'd had it for 5 whole days! I took it to a local AT&T store and was basically told "oh that's too bad - not our problem". It will coast 200.00 to fix the glass or 600.00 to buy a new phone. WTF!? So I drove another 45 miles to the nearest Apple store and got the same response from the a supervisor. This is my first iPhone and I was broken hearted. Is this what a "600.00" dollar phone does?? Apple and AT&T are both going to screw themselves if they don't pony up on their customer service!!! Do what's right!! As much as i love it, I sure the hell won't buy another one.
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While my iPhone 4 suffers from the signal pro lens as well, I've noticed other issues. The proximity sensor seems to be too sensitive or improperly located. When talking on the phone in my right hand as suggested to over come the signal problem, if you do not keep the phone pressed to your head with some pressure the proximity sensor suggest your not holding the phone to your head and re activates the skin and then your face starts setting off all kind of havoc on the screen. Usually hanging me up, muting or activating face time. I also get warning about my device has overheated and must cool down before use. This occurs sitting on my desk in a 73 degree controlled climate. Who know. I for one think they should halt current production, repair the problems that were obviously overlooked then send out replacement (corrected) iPhone 4 on their dime to all of us who bought one
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I bought one knowing full well of the issues, not because I'm a "fanboy" but because I have to agree with the consumer reports article, it really is the best smartphone out there.
I did test the reception issue though, and sure enough, from 5 - 0 bars in about 20 seconds. It's very annoying and definitely should make you think twice about giving apple money for this faulty product. I'm crossing my fingers that apple provides a fix for this soon.
If your computer went from 4ghz at start up to 400mhz when you started using it would you still use it. Sounds like a common fanboy to me.
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Perhaps Apple might consider dumbing down the iPhone 4 ads, (yes, even more).
Something like....."Oooooo Shiny......".
I'm sure it would still appeal to the ***** pool, er whoops, I mean "fan base".
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Perhaps Apple might consider dumbing down the iPhone 4 ads, (yes, even more).
Something like....."Oooooo Shiny......".
"shiny, and can be held with only two fingers.....No really! only hold them with twp fingers!
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"shiny, and can be held with only two fingers.....No really! only hold them with twp fingers!Red, this is Madison Avenue we're talking. You know, the land where fact and fantasy are mutually exclusive. The only finger that need be discussed is the one all iPhone owners should be holding up to show their "solidarity" with the views and opinions of Mr Jobs.
OK, if you insist, the proper way to hold an iPhone is this; grasp the phone between the index and the ring finger. This leaves the middle finger pointed in an upright and locked position. Have someone take a photo of this; 1, for future reference, so you'll know how to hold the iPhone 5 and won't have to be retrained, and 2; you'll always have you middle finger, "locked and loaded", so to speak, ever at the ready to be brought into play, in the inevitable brush with Apple customer service.
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