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What I don't understand is how it's at all relevant.

Then you must not understand traffic metrics. Don't worry, I won't bother explaining.

If you find this to be a reasonable argument, then I'm afraid out differing interpretations of the whole antenna situation are irreconcilable.

Somewhat. I'm saying that everything you have said, ie. the iPhone doesn't work out of the box, is your opinion. Since you are not someone in a position of high status, Apple will not take your opinion seriously. Personally, I am glad.
 
Then you must not understand traffic metrics. Don't worry, I won't bother explaining.

And I won't bother explaining how CR is also a print publication.

Somewhat. I'm saying that everything you have said, ie. the iPhone doesn't work out of the box, is your opinion. Since you are not someone in a position of high status, Apple will not take your opinion seriously. Personally, I am glad.

I actually never said it doesn't work out of the box. I'm simply pointing out that it requires an aftermarket addition or modification to make it work as it should out of the box. That is an important distinction. As far as what Apple thinks of my opinion, I suppose we will find out come September 30th.
 
And I won't bother explaining how CR is also a print publication.

Irrelevant in regards to their website.

I actually never said it doesn't work out of the box. I'm simply pointing out that it requires an aftermarket addition or modification to make it work as it should out of the box. That is an important distinction. As far as what Apple thinks of my opinion, I suppose we will find out come September 30th.

There's no difference in regards to not working [as it should] out of the box vs. requiring an aftermarket addition or modification to make it work [as it should] out of the box. Meaning that in both cases you are saying that the product does not work [as it should] out of the box.

Furthermore, September 30th has nothing to do with your opinion, personally. I'm sorry to hear that you think it does.
 
Well for anyone that is happy to run a product that does not function as it should, good for you. For anyone happy with a simple bandaid instead of a actual fix good for you.

I myself would not purchase a device with an obvious design flaw. Yes it is true that all phones have the "Potential" to loose signal depending on the handling, however when mixed with a design flaw it makes the problem much more apparent. I mean besides from some general signal issues, why was this never a problem with the other iPhones? Because the antenna design.
 
Irrelevant in regards to their website.

But not irrelevant in regards to whatever argument you were trying to make. You can't use the web statistics of a printed periodical as reasonable evidence for anything because you aren't getting the complete picture.

There's no difference in regards to not working [as it should] out of the box vs. requiring an aftermarket addition or modification to make it work [as it should] out of the box. Meaning that in both cases you are saying that the product does not work [as it should] out of the box.

That is correct. The product won't work as it should out of the box unless it starts coming out of the box with a redesigned antenna or some other permanent solution like a clear coating.

Furthermore, September 30th has nothing to do with your opinion, personally. I'm sorry to hear that you think it does.

It is my opinion that Apple will have a permanent fix for the antenna by September 30th. I believe it is your opinion that Apple will either continue giving away free bumpers after that time, or do nothing. So in that sense, September 30th marks the day where we will find out which one of us has any clue what about we're talking about.
 
But not irrelevant in regards to whatever argument you were trying to make. You can't use the web statistics of a printed periodical as reasonable evidence for anything because you aren't getting the complete picture.

Yes you can. I get the feeling you still don't understand http://www.alexa.com/siteinfo/consumerreports.org
;)

That is correct. The product won't work as it should out of the box unless it starts coming out of the box with a redesigned antenna or some other permanent solution like a clear coating.

Again you're saying it doesn't work yet it's strange that there exist people who are able to use it fine with no issues. That's a direct contradiction. :confused:

It is my opinion that Apple will have a permanent fix for the antenna by September 30th. I believe it is your opinion that Apple will either continue giving away free bumpers after that time, or do nothing. So in that sense, September 30th marks the day where we will find out which one of us has any clue what about we're talking about.

You believe incorrectly, but fair enough.
 
Yes you can. I get the feeling you still don't understand http://www.alexa.com/siteinfo/consumerreports.org
;)

I will remind you that you have yet to present any argument (or rather, conspiracy theory, since I think I know where this is going). The link sure does look pretty though, all blue and everything.

Again you're saying it doesn't work yet it's strange that there exist people who are able to use it fine with no issues. That's a direct contradiction. :confused:

It would be, had I said that it doesn't work. However, my specific words were it doesn't work as it should. If it worked as it should, Apple would have no reason to give away free cases to make it work as it should.
 
I will remind you that you have yet to present any argument (or rather, conspiracy theory, since I think I know where this is going). The link sure does look pretty though, all blue and everything.

It's because you don't understand. It's possible that for your mind it may take years of explaining yet in vain.

It would be, had I said that it doesn't work. However, my specific words were it doesn't work as it should. If it worked as it should, Apple would have no reason to give away free cases to make it work as it should.

"as it should" is your opinion. Your opinion does not equal fact.
 
It's possible that for your mind it may take years of explaining yet in vain.

I see that our discussion has regressed to the point of personal attacks, something I do not wish to engage in. Enjoy your phone and take care.
 
I see that our discussion has regressed to the point of personal attacks, something I do not wish to engage in. Enjoy your phone and take care.

I merely said it was a possibility, however I agree that you do not have anything left to argue as your point is moot. Good day.
 
"My problem is i sold my 3gs on the day i got the IP4,if i return the IP4 i will be left with no phone now.Buying another isn't an option as the money went elsewhere, so what do i do ?

1) return the phone disrupt my life all over again because of a bloody phone ?

2) put up shut up and never buy an iphone again ?"

I'll give you a third option. I have a mint condition 16 gig 3GS. It's yours for your iPhone 4. Direct trade! If you're not interested, I'll take the next pissed off person that is. I've also got a perfect condition 3G 8 gig. And a 2g with a broken screen. Your choice. 3GS or 3G. Either of them for your iPhone 4 and I'll throw in the busted 2g:)

Put up or shut up. You can still get a brand new 3GS if so inclined and they're a few bucks cheaper (albeit' only 8gigs, which makes mine such a bargain. And you my friend, have first shot!

Just send me a PM or email and we can make sure those hundreds of dollars in apps aren't wasted!
 
Well for anyone that is happy to run a product that does not function as it should, good for you. For anyone happy with a simple bandaid instead of a actual fix good for you.

I myself would not purchase a device with an obvious design flaw. Yes it is true that all phones have the "Potential" to loose signal depending on the handling, however when mixed with a design flaw it makes the problem much more apparent. I mean besides from some general signal issues, why was this never a problem with the other iPhones? Because the antenna design.

Why are you assuming that it is a design flaw ? My iPhone 4 works great, I ordered it from the Apple site and received it on June 23rd. I don't have the signal issue when the spot is touched.

And I am sure there are thousands of others out there that have phones that do not have the antenna problem.

Instead of a design flaw, how about looking at it as a manufacturing flaw. Maybe there is a factory out there that is not doing the proper job when building the phones.

Now if it was a design flaw, then it would affect every single iPhone 4 out there. And if that was the case, Apple would have issued a full recall of the phone. But since their return rates and call rates are low, it just shows that there is nothing wrong with the design of the phone.
 
Interesting how people will complain stating that the phone doesn't work as advertised out of the box unless you add a 3rd party accessory to it.

Yet, the same person, will take that same phone out of the box, not like the way it works and then jailbreak it to make it work the way a smartphone should work.

Isn't jailbreaking the phone to get full use of the phone a similar concept as buying a case to solve a signal issue ( that is if your phone suffers this issue )?
 
I just want a REAL fix or at least an ETA on a patch that does more than blame the issue's on the network provider. I'm not complaining here..just want to get what I paid for.
I actually think this part of your post is a very reasonable. I personally have not had issues with reception or the proximity sensor. But that doesn't mean I don't think you should get what you pay for, or that Apple shouldn't fix the issues associated with the iP4.
But I do think they have taken first steps toward doing just that. Before you can fix something, I think it's appropriate to understand the problem in its entirety. That's where they are now- trying to fully understand the issues and trying to determine a fix that will work- whether this is software or hardware based, or some combination of the two.
It would do more harm than good for Apple to fix part of the problem without understanding the full nature of what's wrong and doing an incomplete "fix" to gain brownie points somewhere. So understanding the problem and the level and degree of the problem is critical to coming up with a real solution.
I also think that some of the exasperation expressed by folks who say if you don't like it. take it back stems from the fact that there are some people who will NEVER be satisfied, or think there is some magic bullet that can instantly fix all of the problems. That's not how it works in the real world, and I say that based on a lot of years dealing with these sorts of issues in a high tech research setting.
 
The only thing I wanted out of the press conference was for Apple to without inferring, without requiring reading between the lines, simply and clearly flat out state the following:

1. The iPhone 4 suffers from the same problem as other phones when covering the antenna. It also suffers an additional problem that no other phone does due to the external antenna design. Specifically, a light touch from one misplaced finger can introduce significant interference to the signal.

2. The reason a bumper corrects the problem is because the particular issue that is unique to the iPhone 4 is that it is caused by your skin making physical contact with the antenna. This is prevented by the bumper.

They could then justify or explain their decision making, pointing to improved signal strength at the expense of this vulnerability. This would be fine - but if a trade off was made then just say it.

The problem I have with the presentation they provided is that at no point did they discuss any of this. Every time the existence of a problem was discussed it was presented as an issue with all phones. They never directly, flat out said that the iPhone has a problem that is unique to its design. To say otherwise is heavily reliant on inferences and reading between the lines and inherently makes any conclusions something Apple did not say.

I can reproduce the effect on my phone. I can not reproduce it on others. This is where my personal perspective is coming from. To hear Apple say they aren't seeing what I'm seeing indicates that I can expect more of the same in future versions. If they said it's a trade off, they could change their mind. If they said it's a problem that they are working on and expect to resolve at a definate point in time then I can expect the solution. If they flat out state their experience isn't my experience I can really only realistically expect them to take no real action. That's what is most disappointing to me.

+1

Half this thread is repeating what Steve Jobs told them to say. The other half is saying this is more than death grip, it's I touch my iPhone wrong and calls drop.
 
For anyone happy with a simple bandaid instead of a actual fix good for you.

What is a difference between a simple bandaid vs a actual fix? Would it be a actual fix if apple shipped the iPhone from the factory with a the bumper installed and unremovable?
 
What is a difference between a simple bandaid vs a actual fix? Would it be a actual fix if apple shipped the iPhone from the factory with a the bumper installed and unremovable?

That's the problem I have with Consumer Reports. In their review they specifically mentioned the Apple Bumper as solving the problem and said they won't recommend the phone unless a permanent fix is provided. Apple then provides a free bumper with every iPhone and CR says it's not good enough. It seems to me that CR went back on their word. I know you can argue semantics but it seemed like CR was miffed that people that had issues had to pay $30 for a bumper and wouldn't recommend the phone until there was a free and universal solution. A free bumper for every iPhone is both free and universal. WTF? If they wanted a recall and redesign then CR should have said it and not requested bumpers and made a snide duct tape recommendation.

Personally I don't care about CR but I think that reneging on their implied terms says more about them than Apple.

edit: I have an iPhone 4 and it makes calls. The phone rings and I answer. I press 10 digits and someone answers me. If I have crappy service I don't touch it where I might possibly lose a call (I have never worried about this and have never dropped a call while holding the phone)

Some of the guys on this board should imagine having a girlfriend - it's a stretch, but go with me here - and this girl is fantastic except when you repeatedly touch her in the wrong spot. Do you keep touching her there just to prove she has said spot or do you move your damn hand somewhere else and have a good time? (totally inappropriate but it appears that many people posting here have neither an iPhone 4 or a girlfriend and are envious of those that have either - get a life guys)
 
I agree with DDavid.

CR led everyone to believe their only problem to a solution like a bumper was that it would cost the consumer money, so that made it unacceptable. Apple removed that barrier and CR moved the line.
 
Why are you assuming that it is a design flaw ? My iPhone 4 works great, I ordered it from the Apple site and received it on June 23rd. I don't have the signal issue when the spot is touched.

And I am sure there are thousands of others out there that have phones that do not have the antenna problem.

Instead of a design flaw, how about looking at it as a manufacturing flaw. Maybe there is a factory out there that is not doing the proper job when building the phones.

Now if it was a design flaw, then it would affect every single iPhone 4 out there. And if that was the case, Apple would have issued a full recall of the phone. But since their return rates and call rates are low, it just shows that there is nothing wrong with the design of the phone.

I agree! My phone without the case may drop a bar or possible 2 if I squeeze the "spot" on the left hand side of the phone. I have never lost a call yet....so I can't relate at all. I love my phone, and there are so many out there that don't have this problem. I have a very strong signal to ATT and that may be why my phone works all the time.
 
I agree with DDavid.

CR led everyone to believe their only problem to a solution like a bumper was that it would cost the consumer money, so that made it unacceptable. Apple removed that barrier and CR moved the line.

CR didn't move the line. The bumper - as of now, is a temporary offering from Apple.

CR is keeping their ground. Because if you buy it after 9/30 (for now) - you don't get a fix. You get the phone without any "assistance."

Now perhaps they should state at the top of their review that they can recommend the iPhone now through Sept 30th, 2010 but after that - they cannot.

But they're not obligated to do that. Some people are just pissed off that they don't cowtow. That they operate independently without fear of recourse.

You know for YEARS Apple has fawned all over CR using their quotes in various marketing material. This one time CR speaks the truth as they see it and everyone wants to invalidate their findings.

I find THAT funny.
 
CR didn't move the line. The bumper - as of now, is a temporary offering from Apple.

CR is keeping their ground. Because if you buy it after 9/30 (for now) - you don't get a fix. You get the phone without any "assistance."

Now perhaps they should state at the top of their review that they can recommend the iPhone now through Sept 30th, 2010 but after that - they cannot.

But they're not obligated to do that. Some people are just pissed off that they don't cowtow. That they operate independently without fear of recourse.

You know for YEARS Apple has fawned all over CR using their quotes in various marketing material. This one time CR speaks the truth as they see it and everyone wants to invalidate their findings.

I find THAT funny.
People are rather stupid if they think that Apple is going to simply stop supplying bumpers on September 30 without something changing! Apple could be changing their packaging to include a bumper in the box. (didn't think of that one?) They could possibly apply some type of clear lacquer or simply state then that they'll continue to offer a choice of cases. Who knows? What I DO know is that Apple will NOT simply stop offering bumpers if things are as they are now! I think CR and many posters on here are being rather petulant and petty and childish for taking major offense to the Sept 30 date. Why should Apple tell you 3 months in advance what they will do?

I'm just curious samcraig, do you own an iPhone 4 or did you own one? Did you have problems that were insurmountable with a case? Did you return it? Are you just yelling from the sidelines?
 
"My problem is i sold my 3gs on the day i got the IP4,if i return the IP4 i will be left with no phone now.Buying another isn't an option as the money went elsewhere, so what do i do ?

1) return the phone disrupt my life all over again because of a bloody phone ?

2) put up shut up and never buy an iphone again ?"

I'll give you a third option. I have a mint condition 16 gig 3GS. It's yours for your iPhone 4. Direct trade! If you're not interested, I'll take the next pissed off person that is. I've also got a perfect condition 3G 8 gig. And a 2g with a broken screen. Your choice. 3GS or 3G. Either of them for your iPhone 4 and I'll throw in the busted 2g:)

Put up or shut up. You can still get a brand new 3GS if so inclined and they're a few bucks cheaper (albeit' only 8gigs, which makes mine such a bargain. And you my friend, have first shot!

Just send me a PM or email and we can make sure those hundreds of dollars in apps aren't wasted!

I really hope that was tounge in cheek. You want one of my two iPhone 4's ,both on different network's both with the same flaw ?
 
People are rather stupid if they think that Apple is going to simply stop supplying bumpers on September 30 without something changing! Apple could be changing their packaging to include a bumper in the box. (didn't think of that one?) They could possibly apply some type of clear lacquer or simply state then that they'll continue to offer a choice of cases. Who knows? What I DO know is that Apple will NOT simply stop offering bumpers if things are as they are now! I think CR and many posters on here are being rather petulant and petty and childish for taking major offense to the Sept 30 date. Why should Apple tell you 3 months in advance what they will do?

I'm just curious samcraig, do you own an iPhone 4 or did you own one? Did you have problems that were insurmountable with a case? Did you return it? Are you just yelling from the sidelines?

I have owned an iPhone 4 since launch day. I'm on my 3rd. The first two had bad BAD camera issues. I was also the one that emailed Jobs about the reception issue and got the infamous response (that was featured on this site and others). So yes - I own one. And I enjoy the iPhone despite OS 4's bugs and despite having the reception issue. I keep my iPhone in a case and have since day one (like all my other phones). My "issue" is more of the way the whole situation has been handled by Apple. I'm a marketing and PR professional - have been for over 20 years and the attempt at spinning was "noble" at best - but incredibly transparent.

That aside - I didn't mention Apple including a case after 9/30 because it's been mentioned several times - not due to my lack of foresight.

In short (or long now) I'm keeping my iPhone 4. Why? Because the good outweighs the bad. And I'm also invested into the iPhone platform with the # of apps I use daily.

I think you can have comments (negative OR positive) about something you own and still enjoy it. The people that are screaming to anyone who makes the slightest non-positive comment to just bring the phone back try to make this a black and white issue. Can't I love my iPhone but not like _____ about it? Can't I express my dissatisfaction with this feature or not?

My .02
 
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