I can hear you, can you hear me???

When I was over my buddy's house the other day, he told me the story of Apple CEO, Steve Jobs, fielding emails from dissatisfied owners of the new iPhone 4. I've been having my own cell reception issues and decided to look into the problem. For those of you who aren't hip, Apple released it's long anticipated iPhone 4 last week. I was one of the many eager Apple users who received their phone right away. Unbeknownst to many, there seemed to be some users who were getting poor reception from the new, integrated antenna-designed devices. In fact, several disappointed and frustrated customers barraged Apple with emails and posted internet videos about it. Mr. Jobs replied to one such person by saying , "Don't hold it that way." Now, some of the videos show a complete cupping of the iPhone and of course if you cup it, or many other cell phones with your entire hand, it will likely reduce reception. And of course, most people don't/won't actually handle a phone like that. Many of the videos, however, show the phone being held in what I think is a reasonable manner such as this one.



I think it is very cool that a CEO of an enormous company would take the time to personally answer emails, however, Mr. Jobs' response to this issue was bogus. Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge Apple devotee and proponent! I love the device, but it's cell reception is significantly worse than my 3G, no matter how I hold it or don't hold it. I think Jobs was and is being arrogant about the situation. This is a clear and prevalent issue that appears to be growing. There is now a class action suit against Apple & ATT for negligence, fraud, design flaws and more. It appears as though Apple knew about this issue and proceeded anyway. They are suggesting that everyone who just paid 2-600$ + for the phone, pay an additional 32$ for the bumper and the problem (self-admitted problem they are denying - see the conundrum?) will magically be fixed.

While I disagree with potentially bored and disgruntled, disillusioned masses striking up litigation for lack of individuality or anything else to do, I do believe that Apple should acknowledge rather than disavow, and make a concerted effort to rectify the problem and satisfy their clientele. After all, it is these people that continue to put money in the gigantic Apple piggy bank. Now, there are those who suggest we all return our phones and demand a refund, and that this action will provide a wake up call to Cupertino. The only problem with that is... it's such a great device, we're reluctant to give it up despite the defect with its phone. My 3G dropped calls with a frequency of about 3-4 per week, regardless of position. This one is dropping calls up to 6 per minute. It's insanely frustrating!!!! And I'm so torn, as I love the device, but I've been seriously considering reverting to 3G or 3Gs.

The aesthetic and physical design of the iPhone 4 is lovely! It is such a pleasure to hold and simply feels right in the hand, not to mention the nifty new features and the eye-gasmic screen resolution. Sadly, it is the hand that has become the enemy. I will, for sake of trying the temperate and easy solution, purchase a case for the phone merely because of added protection, but with the hopes of improving reception. Heck knows I've dropped my 3G enough times and would have been SOL if it weren't for my Agent 18 case! It is difficult to not ponder on Apple's release of a rubber "bumper" for the 4G, however. Apple didn't release similar or other protective accessories concurrently with previous device launches. And the fact that it only covers the metal band, easily lends to the notion that the bumpers are intended as a rectifier for the issue that was known by Apple preceding the launch.

When it comes down to it, this is a phone. What does one do with a phone but hold it?. This has been how people have used telephones since their inception over 130 years ago. That Apple would design and produce a phone whose reception is affected by how one holds it, is an inherent flaw. This cannot be repudiated by any casually tossed remark, internet instruction or complex legal mumbo jumbo. Up until now, I'd have said that the only problem with the iPhone is AT&T. Sadly, that is no longer the case. (Pun intended)

Until an anti gravity field is invented, capable of floating the iPhone to my ear, I will gladly accept suggestions...



Ah, genius! Thanks!!

On a side note, there is a blog I have stumbled across entitled The Secret Diary of Steve Jobs. A recent post, There Is No Spoon, I found to be well written, smart and entertaining. I hope you enjoy.