iPhone case fixes reception problem: reports

iPhone case fixes reception problem: reports

The finding confirmed what bloggers and others said about using a case with the iPhone, which went on sale last month and became Apple's fastest-selling product ever

Thursday, July 15, 2010

CALIFORNIA: Consumer Reports said on Wednesday its tests confirmed that putting Apple Inc's new iPhone into a case fixes the reception problems that some users have experienced.

The influential publication said using a Bumper -- a $29 frame-like cover sold by Apple -- prevents a drop in signal strength that occurs when the iPhone 4 is held in a certain way.

The finding confirmed what bloggers and others said about using a case with the iPhone, which went on sale last month and became Apple's fastest-selling product ever.

"The Bumper solves the signal-strength problem," Paul Reynolds of Consumer Reports said in a blog posting.

"So does a piece of duct tape, as we reported earlier, or just being careful how you hold the phone. But these options all put the onus on consumers to solve or pay for a fix. We're still calling on Apple to provide an acceptable free solution to the iPhone 4's signal-loss problem."

Consumer Reports generated headlines on Monday when it said it could not recommend the iPhone 4 to buyers due to reception issues.

Apple has blamed the problem on a software glitch that overstates network signal strength. But Consumer Reports has called into question that claim, and others say the design of the device is the real issue.

Analysts say Apple's shares were pressured this week by the bad PR surrounding the iPhone 4, and the company's failure to respond and put the matter to rest.

Shares of Cupertino, California-based Apple rose 0.4 percent to close at $252.73 on the Nasdaq.

©Reuters

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Daniel said on 7/16/2010 10:53:09 AM:
Nice article, thanks. I've switched over to bartering recently for most of anything I can get without having to shell out cash. There are a couple sites out thereto use, to connect with people who are looking to barter trade/swap items or even services (carpentry work for auto work, etc). One of the sites I use is Baarter - http://baarter.com They also have a ' Free Stuff ' section.

to Daniel

Linda Em said on 7/16/2010 4:54:53 AM:
I can't believe they have the gall to charge $29 for a case to fix the problem, or putting duct tape or holding the phone a certain way is recommended. It costs too much damn money to require such sticks and bubblegum solutions. They should provide the case no charge for all those people they took for a ride. People should band together in their own areas and contact their state consumer affairs departments. Or file a class action.

to Linda Em

SVFLOWER said on 7/16/2010 3:43:35 AM:
I will wait for them to fix problems before even considering this phone.

to SVFLOWER

techgirl32 said on 7/16/2010 3:00:53 AM:
I never buy anything so soon especially after it comes out because there's always problems. I'm going to wait until at@t fixes the problems with the i-phone 4 then I might buy it. But good article to read for those who already have it.

to techgirl32

LisaL said on 7/16/2010 1:53:09 AM:
Nice article, thanks. I've switched over to bartering recently for most of anything I can get without having to shell out cash. There are a couple sites out thereto use, to connect with people who are looking to barter trade/swap items or even services (carpentry work for auto work, etc). One of the sites I use is Baarter - http://baarter.com They also have a ' Free Stuff ' section.

to LisaL

Bob said on 7/15/2010 11:59:54 PM:
That's crazy, it's like buying a corvette without the motor. Is this the new trend, pay 200 dollars for a phone and then an additional amount on top of that just to get the phone to work ?

to Bob

Ernest Templeton said on 7/15/2010 11:42:27 PM:
Thought you might want to read this.

to Ernest Templeton