Consumer Reports Doesn't Recommend iPhone 4
That pesky antenna isn't winning the iPhone 4 any fans.
Still thinking about getting an iPhone 4? Surely by now you know about the reception issues facing the new Apple device with its external antenna. Most tech sites have already covered this design flaw, but now a mainstream testing firm has re-confirmed the findings.
Independent testing and reporting group Consumer Reports has published early lab findings on the iPhone 4 and concluded that it cannot recommend buyers to pick up the new device on the basis of the antenna design flaw.
Consumer Reports conducted the test inside a radio frequency isolation chamber (to mitigate interference) and used a base station simulator (to do away with any potential AT&T issues). Their findings were that the iPhone 4 would still drop 20 decibels when a hand touched the left corner of the phone.
Thankfully, they were able to come up with a DIY fix for this problem, but nobody really wants to have a piece of duct tape on their phone for the usable lifetime of it.
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First!
Not surprising....
I wonder if Jobs will bother telling them that they're holding it wrong.
Easy fix with some good old 100 MPH duct tape.
Consumer Reports is nothing in the face of mighty Apple. The masses will disregard the warning and flock faithfully towards the new phone.
Mike, you weren't supposed to touch it....just look at it by afar.
It would probably take 2 or 3 flawed phones before the iPhone brand name started taking damage. One minor issue like this isn't going to change things much.
The external antenna is basically a good idea. When you're holding it right, it does get a stronger signal than other phones.
Also one of those bumper cases fixes he issue completely and looks better than duct tape. The best thing for Apple to do is probably to admit their mistake (they could say that they actually designed the phone for use with a bumper case only) and give it away for free with each phone.
Jobs make a great job!!!
he resell millions of non working phones, and will resell even more working phones!!!
a lesson: how to double your sales!!!
And the worst part... everybody will be happy!!!! ridiculous.
Although I'm still not a fan of iphone/ipod (or anything apple for that matter), do people really still give any credibility to Consumer Reports these days?
There are so many better ways to get reviews and recommendations on products these days. I've seen some ridiculous recommendations come from CR; particularly regarding cars.
It should be pointed out that, while they didn't recommend it, they still gave it the highest overall rating of available smartphones. I'm not saying that makes it a good phone, but that's a relevant fact to this story that was overlooked by Tom's.
CR is now just one of many to confirm the already confirmed antenna issues (they're a little late to the party). Of course you always have to really scrutinize the results CR puts out, especially electronics and vehicles. Anyone remember the CR article that praised the $1000+ Mac computers, when only compared to $500-750 Windows computers; what a completely dishonest comparison that was.
apple gestapo on its way...
All i can say as a consumer is that i do have a 32Gb 3Gs and it is a good device once unlocked to all its glory.
I WAS thinking about getting the iphone4, and had even pre-ordered one. After all the issues with the device I have cancelled my order to see what happens over the coming months.
As much as i like the design of the phone I just cannot buy something that will give me problems.
After all I already have a fully functional phone.
Come on Apple! At least admit things need fixing, offer to refund all customers upon request. Offer all the customers free bumpers & a free upgrade when the 4Gs comes out with a reworked (& fixed) design.
Now THAT would surely win over the consumer and put things wright!!
There is no denying it now there are problems with this phone, but will Apple try to sue CR for pointing out this issue...
Easy fix with some good old 100 MPH duct tape.
So you can tape it next to your ear.
Fools! it was never meant to be touched, only idolized as an extension of Jobs.
well... Steve Jobs will react soon...
the Apple stock value (-4% in 30min) is going down and Microsoft will get the first place again...
So Steve will certainly do something to keep the first place here.
Definitely looks like an oversight... they could have put a bit of non-conductive plastic or something over that gap as well and didn't do so.
You don't need a big ugly piece of duct tape to fix it though. Get some reflective silver or even black electrical tape or other non-conductive tape and cut it to size... the fix may run you up to $5 but if you cut it to shape you would never notice it on the phone.
Duct tape? Seriously? Maybe Jobs can come up with fancy Duct Tape. Throw on a glowing logo and sell em as add-ons and watch everyone buy em... (let me patent this before it really does happen)
I really hope this smacks some sense into the drooling masses of apple fans! There are other phones and mp3 players that work better offer more and cost less! My g/f's mp3 player for one cost $60(Can) is 30gb and works as an external drive.
It should be pointed out that, while they didn't recommend it, they still gave it the highest overall rating of available smartphones. I'm not saying that makes it a good phone, but that's a relevant fact to this story that was overlooked by Tom's.
Yes, the phone is very impressive, but if you can't use it as a phone when you hold it, you can't really call it a phone anymore. Doesn't matter how smooth the interface is or how impressive the hardware is, it has a major flaw that affects its primary function (if you don't need a phone, just wait till the next iPod touch comes out).
Still, the biggest thing I see with this iPhone debacle is the fact that so many iPhone users still hold their phones. What ever happened to Bluetooth headsets? You're gonna drop $300 on your second or third iPhone, but you never got around to buying that headset for $100?
Hah
Who in their right minds will design an exposed metal antenna literally placed outside the phone?!
Guess what? There is still 2 week wait time in the walk in stores to get an iPhone. It is good device, with just one flaw which can be remedied by different ways (bumper, tape, or paying attention how you hold it). If one understands it before purchasing the phone, and OK with that, then there is no reason not to buy the phone - it does have lots of nice features.
Do you still need duct tape? Wouldn't it be solved by getting a case for the phone, I wouldn't know myself since I don't own one but otterbox makes some nice rugged cases.
I don't care. (flash back to youtube video bears)
Consumer Reports are seriously so pro, haha!
I use some Apple computers but I don't have an iPhone or an iPhone 4. Nevertheless, I think Apple needs to address this situation and put an end to it, but their silence with every new day and software justifications are not solving anything yet. When some people attacks Apple or Apple products and make unfair and very personal biased claims I am among those who say something. But with this iPhone 4 signal trouble, even if you are willing to buy it as it is, I expect a clean public communication from Apple. Even if this is as extreme as a product recall as some experts are recommending. If you still like your device it will be up to you. Also, Apple may come soon with a definitive solution and the product may be fine.
Apple will start to lose people like me with future purchases. Sure I purchased a lot of apples for the phone but honestly, the fact that the iPhone has so many issues now, crashing apps, unstable, loss of signal and much more, it makes it an unreliable phone for business. Does that mean I jump over to Android? Well I don't know. Does this give Microsoft a chance to come in and provide a phone that work?
Apple really messed up in my book. Every day I connect that iPhone to iTunes in hope that there is a freakin update, but no, there is no updates...
Honestly, Microsoft understand mission critical. Apple has no clue what it means for making sure a product works. Also not being able to down grade the system after upgrading is a MAJOR flaw.
Wouldn't some clear nail varnish do the trick, my understanding is that its on electrically conductive so it would stop the fingers/hand bridging the gap.
Exposed metal antenna...two of them. I find it hard to believe this did not come out during R&D. Sheesh! Apple should provide the $30 bumpers for free. After all they prolly only cost $1 to manuf.
Screw Jobs. That pompous rich MF.
Ahh, and so it begins...
I use some Apple computers but I don't have an iPhone or an iPhone 4. Nevertheless, I think Apple needs to address this situation and put an end to it, but their silence with every new day and software justifications are not solving anything yet. When some people attacks Apple or Apple products and make unfair and very personal biased claims I am among those who say something. But with this iPhone 4 signal trouble, even if you are willing to buy it as it is, I expect a clean public communication from Apple. Even if this is as extreme as a product recall as some experts are recommending. If you still like your device it will be up to you. Also, Apple may come soon with a definitive solution and the product may be fine.
You expect "clean public communication from Apple".... HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHH *breath* hahahahahaHAHAHAH!
Apple's always just hid their mistakes, and tried to pretend then didn't exist. They've censored questions such as "why did your software update lock me out of my admin account", "what's wrong with my iMac's display?" and now... they're censoring anything related to this consumer reports article. I hope your eyes are finally opening after having the blinders on so long.