iPhone 4 Issues

In addition to the unresponsive / incorrect response of my home button (doesn't work a lot, and sometimes when it does it brings up multitasking after one press) I have been having an issue with iTunes for some time now.

Basically I come across a frequent problem over and over no matter what I have tried. When connecting my iPhone to my laptop, iTunes will randomly after a week or so:

Well, I have done that already multiple times starting from scratch; not even bothering with restoring from a backup. Error still eventually comes again randomly.

I have tried the steps of completely uninstalling iTunes, drivers, and everything associated with Apple and reinstalling. Problem continues.

At a point I decided I'm sick of losing SMS messages and things that I really need to keep on my phone and decided to just not sync anymore (very annoying).

Recently I downloaded the beta iTunes and installed the iOS 5 GM firmware that was leaked. Hoping that this would resolve at LEAST this problem (and hoping the home button issue as I've seen many posts on it before happening after a update) neither have ceased.

I'm really at a lost with what I have left to do. Anyone have any additional suggestions? Would greatly appreciate it. Nearest Apple store is about 1.5 hrs away, but I'll make the trip if needed.

I really think it has something to do with the device itself. I have tried different USB ports, different cables, and even different computers and no go.

Thanks in advance fellas, really needing some input!

 

Setting up as a completely new iPhone. I didn't want to risk restoring from a backup that may be corrupted somehow causing this problem.

And I agree, my iPhone 3G home button was flawless. In fact, my iPhone 4 home button was GREAT up until one of the 4.x updates and it has never reacted the same.

My phone is in great condition, never dropped, and the home button clicks as great as day one.

 

Grrr! I know there are many of us with this junk home button but have yet to see a resolution. I was hoping iOS 5 would resolve this but no go.

Personally I was not impressed enough to use my upgrade for the 4S as I still feel the 4 does a great job for what I need and excited for the next revision (minus the 2 issues I'm having)

 

Luckily he will be within his buyers remorse period if this happens right away. However I know there are those out there with 4's that do not have this problem at all. Just find it strange that a lot that do have only noticed this after later versions of iOS 4 - which made me think it was software related possibly, but on the contrary not everyone has the problem.

Almost thinking I am down to my last option and heading to the Apple store. They have always been great to me, just sucks I have a 3hr round trip to make it down there with no guarantees.

 

Although I don't believe this would be the cause of such an issue, I have tried everything I can think of.

Even gone through the steps of:

1. Restoring as a new phone
2. Completely uninstalling all Apple components and restarting
3. Closing ALL processes open (phone and computer), installing all Apple components, system restart.
4. Again closing all system processes except iTunes and restoring as a new phone again.
5. Backup a completely stock version of the iPhone.
6. Installing all apps freshly again, backup, then sync music, contacts, etc.

Works fine for a undetermined short period of time, then randomly plug my iPhone in (just to charge even) and boom, error message again.

 

Any other recommendations fellas?

Should I just make a road trip out of it and head down to the Apple store?