Consumer Reports 'Can't Recommend' iPhone 4 Due to Signal Issues

[AidenShaw]

How could we have missed this?

One has to wonder if CR is getting Google/MSFT money under the carpet.

Wow, how could we have missed this conclusion?

If Consumer Reports says that there is a serious issue with the Iphone 4, how could we be so silly to believe that perhaps there is a serious design problem with the Iphone 4.

Clearly Google and Microsoft paying off CR makes more sense. I'll even bet that HP, Dell, Lenovo, Nokia, Sony-Ericsson, Motorola and Samsung are also in on the plot.

I'd better tune into the news to find out how deep into the White House this conspiracy goes....

 

[manhattanboy]

I don't know that there is a correlation between join date and intelligence/experience. Large numbers of "misinformed" individuals signed up years before me, and many gurus still have the rank of "newbie." Assumptions based on these factors alone are anecdotal at best.

Just like in real life. Funny how that works, right?

If you look at the "Member since" dates on a lot of the commentators who are extremely anti-Apple and antagonistic "June 2010" seems to be a rather significant date. Interesting.

But 2009 qualifies as pro-life demigod based on date of joining?
I joined many many years ago, when this site was infantile, and rejoined again in 07. I'm not a demi-god nor as old as demi-moore. Thanks for this useless discussion. I feel stupider now.

 

[3282868]

You don't think that maybe because those users have never had a reason to complain? How many people go on forums to rant and rave about a great product?

I've been using MR for years (mainly the front page and occasionally viewing the forums), but I have never felt the need to post because I've been happy with every mac product I've had until now (and that's 6 of them)

Don't you think it's funny how many of the people that are refuting this as a major issue have been members here for years and have thousands of posts -- They must be Apple fanboys who think Apple can do no wrong. Yeah, that statement sounds pretty ridiculous too, doesn't it

Read my posts as I have not defended Apple:

You have to admit and acknowledge, statistically, that people are far more inclined to post negative rather than positive reviews. Basic psychological principle. An individual who is satisfied is less inclined to express their sentiment than an individual who is less satisfied, which in theory dismisses any attempts at drawing general conclusions on a products quality on individual claims. No general conclusion can be based on internet forums regarding the overall quality of any product. Tests such as the one(s) concluded by "Consumer Reports" hold more merit than the subjective ramblings on a few tech blogs. Lab tests must hold to a standard: Hypothesis, study, an appropriate N, tests and retests to ensure the same outcome can be repeated by others, etc. As a reliable source for consumer product research, I would hope that "Consumer Reports" holds and utilizes these same standards.

and

If you can't argue with them, then you don't understand the problem. It's a visual issue that will be addressed with the software update. An iPhone 4 in the same spot as an iPhone 3GS would have just as good if not better reception, period. And Apple is not treating anyone like a fool. Sheesh!

Yet there are reports that it's not just a visual issue. Certainly bars do not indicate actual signal loss but strength, however it's when the signal is lost and calls are dropped due to this issue than anything else. There have been reports, such as this one, that indicate the bars are not just a result of a visual abnormality but of actual quality in signal connectivity. If the reports are valid, then it is a hardware issue with regards to the antennae signal hampered by physical contact.

True. However, the true measure is what they do in response to their failures. Making users pay for 29.99 over glorified rubber bands, blaming how we hold it and then software issues.

In short, they have not responded the why they should. There needs to be a recall and free bumpers for all until their unit can be replaced pending availability.

Agreed. If Apple simply addresses this issue by "repairing" the visual representation of bar strength in a firmware update, I would believe that to be just as deceiving as claiming this is a "non-issue". I recall a humorous comment on MacRumors with code suggesting that Apple will merely "replace" bar strength visually if the actual bars are 3 or less. Was quite amusing.

 

[Digital Skunk]

Oh well, I don't own one.

Neither, do I. I guess I am missing all the fun that's to be had with possible dropped calls and reception issues.

 

[3282868]

LOL Love the pic, need to use that

But 2009 qualifies as pro-life demigod based on date of joining?
I joined many many years ago, when this site was infantile, and rejoined again in 07. I'm not a demi-god nor as old as demi-moore. Thanks for this useless discussion. I feel stupider now.

Um, I'm not an anti-Apple individual crazily posting on an Appel fan site, I'm simply someone who likes Apple (and Windows) products who enjoys reading others' opinions... and wait, why am I explaining myself to you?

 

[brewcitywi]

quick comment

I'm not going to get into all of the debates! I love Apple, I think the new iPhone 4 and software update is brilliant, perhaps one of the most well-packaged and positioned products in history. I have the iPhone 4, and it has been working extremely well. I can duplicate the signal lowering when I grip the phone tightly, but it has not caused any dropped calls.

However, Consumer Reports not recommending the iPhone 4 is serious, I think. It's a baseline recommendation by a service for which millions of people check, in order to insure they don't get ripped off, or buy a "lemon." Perhaps Consumer Reports is more respected in automobiles, but this isn't good.

Maybe Apple has a few tricks up it's sleeve on this one. My only fear is that, the more time passes, the bigger the trick customers will expect. I'm not sure that a software update is going to cover it this time. A free bumper case is like saying, "Hey, cover up our major design flaw!" I just don't think it's a good business move. A gift card? It's a nice thought...but what is it for??? "Hey, I just got a $50 gift card cause my phone is defective!" Again, another bad chess move, marketing-wise.

I wonder if there is a small physical fix that could be performed at Apple stores that could solve some of this problem from a hardware perspective. I know it's a long shot...but that would quiet the drumbeat.

The best case scenario is that the software update actually works for a lot of customers. I'm not sure how a software update could solve a physical antenna issue, but that's the best possible outcome.

If the software update does not improve the issue for customers, there may actually have to be some form of recall, or extension period to return the product, way past Apple's original window.

 

[rhanley]

Wow, how could we have missed this conclusion?

If Consumer Reports says that there is a serious issue with the Iphone 4, how could we be so silly to believe that perhaps there is a serious design problem with the Iphone 4.

Clearly Google and Microsoft paying of CR makes more sense. I'll even bet that HP, Dell, Lenovo, Nokia, Sony-Ericsson, Motorola and Samsung are also in on the plot.

I'd better tune into the news to find out how deep into the White House this conspiracy goes....

Keep digging bro -- I think this may go all the way up to the Obama administration and I've heard stories that Obama actually orchestrated the oil spill with the help of BP to help take the focus off of the Iphone 4 release as Apple was well aware of the antenna issue prior to launch.

 

[Eidorian]

You don't think that maybe because those users have never had a reason to complain? How many people go on forums to rant and rave about a great product?

I've been using MR for years (mainly the front page and occasionally viewing the forums), but I have never felt the need to post because I've been happy with every mac product I've had until now (and that's 6 of them)

Don't you think it's funny how many of the people that are refuting this as a major issue have been members here for years and have thousands of posts -- They must be Apple fanboys who think Apple can do no wrong. Yeah, that statement sounds pretty ridiculous too, doesn't it

You mean like the ones who perused the MBP update threads last year, or the ones who argue in the "political/religious" sections, or the ones who....etc. etc. etc.

Just like in real life. Funny how that works, right?

But 2009 qualifies as pro-life demigod based on date of joining?
I joined many many years ago, when this site was infantile, and rejoined again in 07. I'm not a demi-god nor as old as demi-moore. Thanks for this useless discussion. I feel stupider now.

All of this has happened before and it will happen again. The join date judgement call isn't anything new.

If you've been around long enough, all the players are on stage.

Neither, do I. I guess I am missing all the fun that's to be had with possible dropped calls and reception issues.

It sure sounds like fun doesn't it? It's over a phone as well.

It is much better to watch from the sidelines.

 

[AidenShaw]

But 2009 qualifies as pro-life demigod based on date of joining?

"Demi-god" (or "Demi-goddess" for those who's gender identity is female) simply means that you've donated to help MacRumours meet costs.

(It also means that you get the ad-free version.)

Look for a "Donate" or "Help MacRumours" button on your page. (I don't have one, since I have.)

 

[manhattanboy]

Wow. You know you've REALLY succeeded when you've united clueless left wing with even more clueless right wing against you.

It's been a bang-up day. Time for din-din.

LOL!!!!!!! Best post I've seen in awhile!

Um, I'm not an anti-Apple individual crazily posting on an Appel fan site, I'm simply someone who likes Apple (and Windows) products who enjoys reading others' opinions... and wait, why am I explaining myself to you?

For a New Yorker, you are bringing shame on your people. Just stop.
Why would you be so heartless as to bring up 9/11 into a thread about iPhone reception?
Shame on you.

 

[Techhie]

If the software update does not improve the issue for customers, there may actually have to be some form of recall, or extension period to return the product, way past Apple's original window.

A total recall would be a financial and PR disaster for Apple, and would only be used as a last resort or in the face of governmental regulations. If anything, the step above the "free bumpers" solution would be to apply a non-conductive clear resin to the antenna free of charge.

 

[3282868]

LOL!!!!!!! Best post I've seen in awhile!



For a New Yorker, you are bringing shame on your people. Just stop.
Why would you be so heartless as to bring up 9/11 into a thread about iPhone reception?
Shame on you.

You should direct that to the individual who posted a picture of Steve Jobs as Osama bin Laden. As a New Yorker who was here during 9/11, I watched in horror as people I knew died. Comparing Steve Jobs to a terrorist who killed thousands is despicable and tasteless.

 

[Digital Skunk]

t sure sounds like fun doesn't it? It's over a phone as well.

It is much better to watch from the sidelines.

It does, and it pains me to come into a discussion late, and miss all the weird comments.

I thought the Mac Pro threads were crazy, and yes, this over a phone many users had the previous, just as good/not obsolete yet/slightly slower/still just as capable, versions of.

 

[Techhie]

I thought the Mac Pro threads were crazy

Oh, I'll show you crazy...

*prepares GT 120 rant*

 

[flynifr]

No free bumpers, fix my phone!

Lots of talk here about free bumpers as a remedy. That is not a fix, it is a bandaid. I don't want to have to carry my iphone in a case or a bumper in order for it to work as advertised. What good is it if Apple builds a phone that is thinner and lighter than all the others if you have to put it in a bulky case or bumper to use it? I love all my Applpe products including the new iPhone but anything short of a full recall is a mistake on Apple's part. They have the cash on hand to do it so they should bite the bullet now and make 1.7 million users very happy. In the mean time Apple, stop selling these defective phones!!!

 

[CalebF]

Until Apple 'fesses up and admits that the iPhone has a problem, no amount of "You're holding it wrong" or "It's the bars' fault" song-and-dance stonewalling is going to either re-burnish Cupertino's faltering reputation or defend against its growing legal woes.

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/07/12/consumer_reports_iphone_reversal/

 

[clborden]

I can't help but think that if it did have an impact, it would only benefit us. I tell you what...I'd love it if they actually amended production & offered replacements to those of us who have the problem.

 

[Eidorian]

It does, and it pains me to come into a discussion late, and miss all the weird comments.

I thought the Mac Pro threads were crazy, and yes, this over a phone many users had the previous, just as good/not obsolete yet/slightly slower/still just as capable, versions of.

Apple can't hide the Mac Pro behind a curtain when they're using third parties for the components.

It's amazing to see the fervor from 3G/3GS to 4. I doubt many users are first time iPhone owners.

 

[aforty]

If it wasn't already, this is now a PR nightmare for Apple. None of us may care about Consumer Reports but this will once again be echoed by every mainstream media outlet around the country over the next couple of days. That update from Apple needs to either do more than fix the display on the bars or they'll have to respond with free bumpers for everyone (most likely), a partial refund or a recall (not at all likely). Take your pick but Apple will have to do more than fix the way bars are displayed after this.

 

[Nykwil]

the world's oceans will stop churning.

the earth will stop spinning.

and earth's magma core will cool and solidify.

But Steve Jobs will be cackling madly on his moon base on the dark side.

 

[AidenShaw]

LOL Love the pic, need to use that

Available in many sizes:

http://www.google.com/images?hl=en&...tin+foil+hat+beck&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=

 

[3282868]

Available in many sizes:

http://www.google.com/images?hl=en&...tin+foil+hat+beck&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=

I love

 

[ntrigue]

Lots of talk here about free bumpers as a remedy. That is not a fix, it is a bandaid. I don't want to have to carry my iphone in a case or a bumper in order for it to work as advertised. What good is it if Apple builds a phone that is thinner and lighter than all the others if you have to put it in a bulky case or bumper to use it? I love all my Applpe products including the new iPhone but anything short of a full recall is a mistake on Apple's part. They have the cash on hand to do it so they should bite the bullet now and make 1.7 million users very happy. In the mean time Apple, stop selling these defective phones!!!

+1

 

[CalebF]

PCWorld is holding Apple accountable:

Apple's Arrogance and the iPhone 4 Antenna Debacle
http://www.pcworld.com/article/200954/apples_arrogance_and_the_iphone_4_antenna_debacle.html

Taking them to the carpet using the "A"-word (arrogance).

 

[Digital Skunk]

Apple can't hide the Mac Pro behind a curtain when they're using third parties for the components.

It's amazing to see the fervor from 3G/3GS to 4. I doubt many users are first time iPhone owners.

I personally don't believe any more than 10% are. I had nothing but upgraders when I sold iPhones for Apple. Many of them were just previous gen owners, others were tourists/foreigners looking to sell over seas.