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Consumer Reports 'Can't Recommend' iPhone 4 Due to Signal Issues
- Thread starter callmemike20
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What are you talking about. The stock dropped less than 1 percent today. The stock is up from $200 to $260 since March. This is all within the normal trading range.
One, Apple has said there is a software fix on the way. So frankly, all of this business is really academic until 4.1 or whatever comes out. So much of hardware today is controlled so much by software that they could very well fix this. If the software update doesn't fix the issue, Apple will probably extent the return period for the phone.
If you are experience a high amount of dropped calls or low data rates ... just return the phone??
If you are experience a high amount of dropped calls or low data rates ... just return the phone??
I understand the aggravation from users with this issue. I don't think Apple has enough bandaids for this one after Consumer Reports dropped this sucker down.
The man also said to return your phones within 30 days if you're unhappy for a refund.
We often talk about voting with your dollars but the advice appears to be very sour right now for iPhone owners.
Very good point. I wonder how the casual consumer who doesn't even know about a site like this responds to this typke of news. I'm sure the news papers etc will run with this story.
Im guessing there's a few who are looking to get a phone and when someone reccomends an iphone4 their initial reaction is oh but doesn;t that have some major problem. Then again, im sure a lot of those same people assume that products with faults get fixed before going back on sale.
It has been confirmed as a hardware issue, inherent in the phone's design. This type of problem cannot be fixed via software, only masked.
Sadly, it isn't academic until 4.1 comes out. The "software" fix is complete vaporware until it actually comes out and proves to fix the issue.
I think a cell phone that is fairly "disposable" is different than a car, a dishwasher, a refrigerator...there are so many more personal aspects of a phone that make people purchase them.
How many people are on these forums complaining about AT&T?? What they're really complaining about is the fact that they can't get an iPhone on another service...they're willing to overlook the cell service so they can have the phone.
Kind of goes against the argument that one buys a cell phone as a phone....
How many people are on these forums complaining about AT&T?? What they're really complaining about is the fact that they can't get an iPhone on another service...they're willing to overlook the cell service so they can have the phone.
Kind of goes against the argument that one buys a cell phone as a phone....
I sure hope it can be resolved without a case / bumper. I have tried one and really prefer to use my phone naked. The rubber makes it harder to get in and out of my front pocket.
What part? Sounded spot on to me. CR is a gold standard as far as reviews go. I expect to see mention of this in several upcoming news reports on this issue.
You are wrong, all that Apple have said about the issue is that they have been displaying too high of a cell signal and that an update will be made available to ALL iPhones (not just the 4) that will show correct signal strength.
Other than cryptic Jobs remarks about "stay tuned" there is no indication that this can or will be fixed in software coming from Apple, merely speculation that the antennas can be made to switch faster, etc, remedying the worst part of the death grip problem.
As to the comments about "my phone doesn't have this problem" or "the bumper doesn't fix the problem" you're both mistaken. Any non metallic case will fix the issue as long as it covers up the offending antenna area and YES all of the iPhone 4s have this problem whether or not you've personally experienced it.
I do too. I have a good feeling the iPhone 4 is going to rank up there with the other Apple flops. Maybe even as big as the 20th Anniversary Mac.
It's even got users dreaming of "software" fixes "coming soon" which may be the case, but who's going to wait for a software fix while their phone can't make calls.
CR is the gold standard of reviews if you think McDonald's is the gold standard of dining. Their review was flawed in so many ways that I don't even know where to begin. They have no clue about how to test a phone, NONE. How can CR come out and say iPhone has terrible reception when Anand's review a week earlier said iPhone has BETTER reception than any iPhone yet? Anand had a in-depth review with repeatable real-world tests a week earlier (even covering different "grip strengths"), where was the media coverage of that? Now CR comes in a week late with their "isolation chamber" tests. Gee, it's sure great to know how my phone behaves in an isolation chamber, it's about as relevant as knowing my signal strength in a black hole.
CR needs to go back to reviewing toothpaste and hot dogs, they are out of their league on this one.
CR needs to go back to reviewing toothpaste and hot dogs, they are out of their league on this one.
Some will still buy the IP4 regardless of the PR. But with consumer reports adding to the bad Apple PR, it can never be good. I really don;t use them when considering the purchase of any product - that's what the internet is for.
If the proposed software fix doesn't resolve the reception issue (IMO it will only address the signal bar display), then Apple will see a drop in sales and Android phones getting a closer, second look.
But fix or not, Apple's reputation for future product releases will be soiled.
If the proposed software fix doesn't resolve the reception issue (IMO it will only address the signal bar display), then Apple will see a drop in sales and Android phones getting a closer, second look.
But fix or not, Apple's reputation for future product releases will be soiled.
Well, If it doesn't fix the issue then we can discuss what they are gonna do about it.
The fact of the matter is, the steve jobs school of business basically states, 'never admit there is a flaw'. I know a lot of us hate this, however if apple admitted there was one, what would happen to their iPhone 4 sales??? Probably drop anywhere from 25 to make even 50%. A lot of money lost. This admitted "flaw" will resonate. Everyone will then start to think that everything the company produces has similar issues. A case study in this is Microsoft; everything they make, some people just think, "vista".
If Apple did not think they couldn't fix the issue with software, then there would be a recall. If it doesn't fix the issue, then we can all go to the apple store and demand they take our phones back. Even past the 30 day point..
Considering how many have already been sold there's no chance it will fit into the category you describe.
What percentage of users don't use a case with a phone that costs $499 to purchase without a contract? Answer, very few.
Keep betting against Apple though, I see the stock is down a whopping 1% after hours, whoop-a-dee-doo.
Simple Fix!
According to CR, the fix can be as simple as Apple including a narrow 3 inch strip of duct tape in the package, plus mailing such to any existing customers who wish such. This is because CR only found the localized touch problem, not the hand shielding problem that many other of their recommended cell phones have.
Apple could even make it shiny Apple duct tape, and offer it in a variety of colors, say both black and white! ( However, I would prefer a thin soft clear vinyl tape. )
The instructions would say that you don't need to use the included tape with your iPhone 4 if you use a bumper or a case, use the phone where the cellular coverage is decent (above -85 dBm), or you "don't hold it that way". That's very likely the vast majority of customer, who will just throw the tape away.
So CR may have just contributed to an increase in plastic waste.
According to CR, the fix can be as simple as Apple including a narrow 3 inch strip of duct tape in the package, plus mailing such to any existing customers who wish such. This is because CR only found the localized touch problem, not the hand shielding problem that many other of their recommended cell phones have.
Apple could even make it shiny Apple duct tape, and offer it in a variety of colors, say both black and white! ( However, I would prefer a thin soft clear vinyl tape. )
The instructions would say that you don't need to use the included tape with your iPhone 4 if you use a bumper or a case, use the phone where the cellular coverage is decent (above -85 dBm), or you "don't hold it that way". That's very likely the vast majority of customer, who will just throw the tape away.
So CR may have just contributed to an increase in plastic waste.
Think so? They have a reputation to uphold as well. I'll bet they hired Phd engineers to prepare the tests. Please don't be another love-apple-because-its-apple person. This hurts macrumors forums....
