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Jobs says Signal Strength a "non issue"

Communications equipment needs to be designed to support QoS (quality of service) especially when the networking environment is sub-optimal. iPhone 4 seems exhibit dropping more signal in the frindge area when not gripped as Steve suggested. A device shouldn't degradate signal strenth in this case, regardless how you grip the phone. It's not only the signal strenth problem, but it also causes the battery inside the phone drain faster while you are on the phone, since the tower will ask your device to increase the transmission power when it senses your weak phone signal. It is obviously a serious design flaw. Apple should admit it and take action on it. So far, its atittude has been irresponsible, not like Apple. I already got the phone for myself and was about to purchase another for my son's 3GS replacement, but I am changing my mind.

-K
 
big0mar said:
My 3GS with iOS4 has the exact same issues ;)

And its 100% false to suggest those phones don't have the same issue. Those phones however are programmed to compensate for the noise your hand creates.
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I'm sorry bigomar but my 3GS doesn't drop calls simply because I'm holding it wrong. Your still not addressing the fact that calls are being dropped. If your fine with that cool. I however wasn't fine with it and returned it. So it is a "non-issue" for me now mainly because I am left handed and refuse to change the way I hold a phone. I didn't know that my hand was designed poorly for the new perfect iPhone when I ordered it ;)
 
teknishn said:
I wish ppl would stop saying the issue is bridging antennas. ITS NOT! You can cover that sucker with 3 layers of tape, a rubber band, a case, you name it.... the problem still exists. And yes, I have tried them all. Its going to be a software update, just watch.
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I've also seen in the pictures of the internals that the antenna is extremely close the metal frame around another part (the LCD I think?). Perhaps it's flexing just a tiny bit when pressure is put on it and coming into contact with it. Then yeah, in that case, no case or tape is going to fix it. But it definitely seems to be a hardware issue.
 
Blacklabel34 said:
I'm sorry bigomar but my 3GS doesn't drop calls simply because I'm holding it wrong. Your still not addressing the fact that calls are being dropped. If your fine with that cool. I however wasn't fine with it and returned it. So it is a "non-issue" for me now mainly because I am left handed and refuse to change the way I hold a phone. I didn't know that my hand was designed poorly for the new perfect iPhone when I ordered it ;)
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Lol, and won't you feel like a jackass when Apple releases a patch to fix the problem. Amazing how impatient ppl are.

I can understand your frustration, but I'll give Apple a little more than 24hrs to officially address the issue.
 
teknishn said:
I wish ppl would stop saying the issue is bridging antennas. ITS NOT! You can cover that sucker with 3 layers of tape, a rubber band, a case, you name it.... the problem still exists. And yes, I have tried them all. Its going to be a software update, just watch.
Click to expand...

Steve Jobs told you that this is expected behavior of the phone. What else do you need to hear? This is as good (or as bad) as it gets.
 
teknishn said:
we are talking about a spot this ' | ' big
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Yes, but your hand is this big:

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          |'   |    ||    |     |   /`     (/
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          |-'   \__/  \__/             .|
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lilo777 said:
Steve Jobs told you that this is expected behavior of the phone. What else do you need to hear? This is as good (or as bad) as it gets.
Click to expand...

This was likely before it was realized that there was a widespread issue. I'll give Apple/Jobs the benefit of the doubt until they fully vet and address this problem. If they come back again saying just hold it differently I will help supply the pitch forks and torches.
 
Blacklabel34 said:
I'm sorry bigomar but my 3GS doesn't drop calls simply because I'm holding it wrong. Your still not addressing the fact that calls are being dropped. If your fine with that cool. I however wasn't fine with it and returned it. So it is a "non-issue" for me now mainly because I am left handed and refuse to change the way I hold a phone. I didn't know that my hand was designed poorly for the new perfect iPhone when I ordered it ;)
Click to expand...

Your 3GS with iOS4?

And to clarify, your phone isn't dropping calls because you're holding it wrong, its dropping calls because its switching signals. It switches signals because of your hand.

No, I, and Apple are addressing the fact that calls are being dropped. They've provided a workaround for the time being. You can accept that workaround and wait for a patch, or you can return the phone and enjoy whatever else you want to use.
 
Ok instead of sitting in one place and complain i spent the last 2 hours going around town and here is what I found.


1. The Bars do not always drop in specific locations on the outside and Inside
2. The Bars always drop in specific locations on the outside and Inside


This leads me to believe this is a combination of Antenna Interference and AT&T. It seems Gruber MIGHT BE right that wherever there is 'spotty' 3G coverage, the bars will drop and that is what was happening. I was at a location in front of a hospital and held the iPhone in my left hand with no bars dropping, i cupped the phone so that the entire lower left half of the iPhone is touching my hand and still the bars were at 5.

Now I am not sure about all spotty coverage because I went to another location in front of a mall where I saw 5 bars, i took the phone in my left hand and the bars started to drop.

This is confusing.
 
Blaenk said:
I'm not so certain it's bridging the antennas either, but damn dude, seriously? None of the things you mentioned are conductive haha. a rubber band? tape? really?
Click to expand...

The point is I tried all of those materials to see if they would insulate against a supposed bridging issue, and they didn't. Even with Apples own bumper the signal loss issue still happens. Thus, I don't think its a bridging issue.
 
I'm sure David Pogue's article was already posted in this thread, but here's a key quote:

And considering the hysteria that surrounds the phone, combined with ignorance about the nature and probability of the problem, it could wind up being a huge black eye for Apple and the phone.
Click to expand...
 
gnow13 said:
Was at the Apple store and tried 5 different ip4s. 5 bars with a strong signal. All dropped like a stone to 2 bars within 45 seconds. None completely failed' mine included.

Currently my ip4 drops every chance it gets. I have an ifrogz case on it, two layer of scotchtape and a rubber band. 4 bars to start, bit as soon as I get near it, it starts to drop all the way to 0 bars.
Click to expand...

Cases, tape etc are not working for me either.
 
teknishn said:
I find if you have a major strong 5 bar you can get it to drop to 1. Any dip from awesome though and itll drop completely. And lets all just remember that we are talking about a spot this ' | ' big on the band that is to be avoided.
Click to expand...

I can't get my bars to change in either situation. not even with the key trick
 
big0mar said:
Your 3GS with iOS4?

And to clarify, your phone isn't dropping calls because you're holding it wrong, its dropping calls because its switching signals. It switches signals because of your hand.

No, I, and Apple are addressing the fact that calls are being dropped. They've provided a workaround for the time being. You can accept that workaround and wait for a patch, or you can return the phone and enjoy whatever else you want to use.
Click to expand...

No iOS4, I like my phones free :D
 
ubercool said:
I'm sure David Pogue's article was already posted in this thread, but here's a key quote:
Click to expand...

Quite true.... or they could release a working fix that makes all 1900 posts in this thread look like morons (myself included for participating ;) )
 
Takeo said:
How is that hyperbole? The phone doesn't work when held in your hand. That's a fact for many people.
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A. You have no idea how many people are affected, or to the maginitude they're affected to

B. The phone receives a weaker signal when held in a certain position in your hand. Not solely held in your hand. I'm holding it in my hand right now and it works perfectly.
 
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