Consumer Reports: iPhone 4 not recommended

[Q-Eye]

CNN (and LifeHacker) are reporting to day that Consumer Reports has done extensive testing on the iPhone 4 reception problem. Result: Not recommended -- unless you apply a little duct tape.

Here's the story.

[brickman65]

Hey!! Duct Tape can fix ANYTHING!!

[RobbM]

And now a PR guru says a recall is "inevitable".

PR Experts: iPhone 4 Hardware Recall Is “Inevitable” | Cult of Mac

Personally, I don't see Apple doing a true recall, especially when Consumer Reports also noted that slapping a little duct tape (i.e. an insulator) on the phone alleviated the problem. No, Apple will extend everyone who bought an iPhone 4 $30 credit to get a Bumper or other case or spend how they like at the Apple or iTunes stores. That's what they did before when people were "inconvenienced".

[Varjak]

Since the bumper can't cost more than a $1 for Apple, they ought to give them away to iP4 owners, and start packaging them in the box.

[brickman65]

Here is "The Rest of the Story". Interesting read and shows how some (read the Main Stream Media) jump on any story that will give them Headlines.

<Note he is NOT defending the iPhones problems but rather slapping at CR for their reporting.>

[rkevwill]

And at the same time they didn't recommend the iphone, they rated it the best phone out there. Good grief. (from Wired)

"Consumer Reports also has egg on its face, having ranked the iPhone 4 as the best smartphone, then turned around to write that it “can’t recommend” the iPhone 4 due to the antenna issue.

When a publication can’t recommend what it calls the best smartphone in the world, it’s either trying to say something about the safety of radiation given off by smartphones in general, or it goofed, big time."



Read More Apple Duct-Tapes Over Consumer Reports Review | Epicenter| Wired.com

[rkevwill]

And now a PR guru says a recall is "inevitable".

PR Experts: iPhone 4 Hardware Recall Is “Inevitable” | Cult of Mac

Personally, I don't see Apple doing a true recall, especially when Consumer Reports also noted that slapping a little duct tape (i.e. an insulator) on the phone alleviated the problem. No, Apple will extend everyone who bought an iPhone 4 $30 credit to get a Bumper or other case or spend how they like at the Apple or iTunes stores. That's what they did before when people were "inconvenienced".

Hope they stock up on more Bumpers. When I was in there last week, all they had was a turquoise color. Before I even received my phone, I had ordered a Griffin Reveal case. Great case. Thin rubber surround, and thin plexi back to protect the back side. Personally, I think its much easier to hold now.

[Mi An]

When a publication can’t recommend what it calls the best smartphone in the world, it’s either trying to say something about the safety of radiation given off by smartphones in general, or it goofed, big time."

Or they don't want to talk people into buying something that probably will work out of the box someday before its known what the out of the box fix will be. As for the hacks which have been known since day one (insulation of various sorts), who wants to buy a super sexy phone and then cover it up so it can actually make phone calls?

Best to let Apple finish the phone first, then recommend it to their readers if you ask me.

[rkevwill]

I'm not defending them, in the least. I think the whole situation sucks. HOWEVER....most people I see have cases on their iphones since day one. 1, 2, 3, and gs. Frankly (and this is a personal opinion), I don't think the case I bought destroys the look at all. The back is clear, the edges are very thin black rubber, and its hardly a noticeable thickness in any direction. MUCH thinner than the bumpers. I have even seen thin clear bumpers out there. Anyway, to get the damn thing to work properly, to make people buy bumpers is ridiculous. I just wanted to protect the back, as its not as durable as the front (from reports) and wanted a better grip. I ordered the griffin case even before the reports of the antenna issue broke, and before my phone arrived.

Oh, btw, I was always able to make calls, (without the case) guess I was one of the lucky ones.

I don't remember too many gadgets that came out perfect, without glitches, but Apple's responses have been embarrassing.

[Mi An]

I'm not defending them, in the least. I think the whole situation sucks.

I wasn't trying to nail apple, just defending consumer reports. I'm glad yours doesn't have the issue, but it's widespread enough that I can understand being hesitant to recommend it.

But the magazine said it will not recommend Apple's new device until the company unveils "a permanent -- and free -- fix for the antenna problem."

That ^ seems reasonable to me.