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iPhone 4 (Official Thread) (Page 12)
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amazing
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Jul 15, 2010, 11:03 AM
 
     
jokell82
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Jul 15, 2010, 11:14 AM
 
Kinda what we've been talking about on the last page...

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The Final Dakar
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Jul 15, 2010, 11:18 AM
 
The iPhone has antenna issues?!
     
amazing
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Jul 15, 2010, 11:22 AM
 
Originally Posted by jokell82 View Post
Kinda what we've been talking about on the last page...
Yes! But now, Apple's having a Vista Moment!

Microsoft exec: iPhone 4 is Apple's Vista moment - Techworld.com
     
Spheric Harlot
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Jul 15, 2010, 01:05 PM
 
I love that tactic: "HAA-HAA!! THEY'VE ****ED UP ALMOST AS MUCH AS WE DID!"

Um, okay, that's mah boy, now settle down. People are staring.
     
The Final Dakar
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Jul 15, 2010, 01:10 PM
 
It's the "I'm okay with that " that throws me. What bad situation would you not be okay with? If they were causing super-cancer or something?
     
jvr2
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Jul 15, 2010, 02:08 PM
 
The "I'm ok with that" is what makes it so that Apple doesn't have to fix anything. If people don't care then why should Apple. I think people should be complaining (not overreating, but voicing their opinions) whether they are dropping calls or not so that Apple can know that they need to make sure that stuff like this doesn't get into production.

If Apple sees people say, 'oh its a real issue but I can fix it myself, I dont care I love my phone!'....it's like...we all should want Apple to respond to the issue whether you love your phone or not.

I wonder what Apple Store employees do with all the people going in to Apple Stores to touch the iPhone4's Spot of Death? Do they phase into an alternate reality where all phones have a spot where a single finger can so dramatically affect signal strength?
lol...I actually didn't see any employees approach people that were playing with the phones but that might have been just my section (they had two tables)...two guys across from me could be heard saying as they picked one up to play with it, "Isn't this thing having some sort of problem..I think I heard something about reception problems..how do you do it?" lol.

I swear I saw an employee start walking toward me when I was calling myself trying to drop a call. He suddenly made a sharp turn and headed in another direction. Maybe he noticed I was staring really hard at the bars as I held a finger at the bottom lol. He could obviously see the white iPhone in my other hand so I probably didn't have any questions or need any help operating it and he probably didn't want to find out what I might ask him if he came over. I wouldn't actually put an employee on the spot like that..I wouldn't mention the death spot cause I know they know no more than I do about the problem or a possible solution.
     
SSharon
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Jul 15, 2010, 02:13 PM
 
Originally Posted by jokell82 View Post
What was posted was a 30-day return policy if you buy the phone in the first 6 months of sales. My guess is if they did this and had a Verizon phone to announce (highly unlikely), they would wait until the 7 months are over.

I think it's a fantastic idea.
You're right, but a 30 day return policy is nothing special. Don't other networks frequently advertise that you can try them out for 30 days and return the phone if you aren't satisfied? How is this any different? In reality there should always be a 30 day return policy from the date of purchase . . . cares what the release date was.
AT&T iPhone 5S and 6; 13" MBP; MDD G4.
     
-Q-
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Jul 15, 2010, 02:51 PM
 
And iOS 4.01 is available for download. I'll be very curious to see what impact it has on this antenna issue.

     
SierraDragon
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Jul 15, 2010, 02:57 PM
 
The antenna issue is a yawn to me. I am more interested to see if 4.0.1 improves operation on v3 phones. I don't really expect it to, and expect to remain on iOS3 for my v3 phone. If I had the funds I would buy an iPhone4.
     
SSharon
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Jul 15, 2010, 03:02 PM
 
What timing. I just finished syncing my iphone 4 that I picked up an hour ago and now the 4.0.1 update comes out. At least I got to test the death grip.

edit: 579mb, WTF!?
AT&T iPhone 5S and 6; 13" MBP; MDD G4.
     
richwig83
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Jul 15, 2010, 03:14 PM
 
Originally Posted by SierraDragon View Post
The antenna issue is a yawn to me. I am more interested to see if 4.0.1 improves operation on v3 phones. I don't really expect it to, and expect to remain on iOS3 for my v3 phone. If I had the funds I would buy an iPhone4.
IM interest to find out... but im not being a guinea pig! I just had to revert my g/fs 3g to 3.1.3 because os4 is so so slow on it!

And it 4.0.1 is out... where the hell is the official thread!!! :-)
MacBook Pro 2.2 i7 | 4GB | 128GB SSD ~ 500GB+2TB Externals ~ iPhone 4 32GB
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SSharon
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Jul 15, 2010, 03:19 PM
 
I've got 4.0.1 now and the new signal bars are taller. I've only owned the phone an hour, but in my extremely unscientific test I didn't lose as many bars with the death grip. Before the update I went from 5 bars to 0 (but never dropped a call) and now I go from 5 bars to 2 bars (still no dropped call).

I only tested this in my present location though. At the end of the day as long as my service is as good as or better than before and I'm not dropping extra calls I don't care if I lose a few bars.
AT&T iPhone 5S and 6; 13" MBP; MDD G4.
     
AKcrab
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Jul 15, 2010, 03:20 PM
 
I just updated my 3G to 4.0.1. I'll play with it today and report back.
     
SierraDragon
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Jul 15, 2010, 04:19 PM
 
Originally Posted by AKcrab View Post
I just updated my 3G to 4.0.1. I'll play with it today and report back.
Cool.
     
mduell
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Jul 15, 2010, 06:08 PM
 
Originally Posted by AKcrab View Post
I just updated my 3G to 4.0.1. I'll play with it today and report back.
How do you live with that?
If my CrackBerry was like that I'd be throwing it at walls.
     
Cold Warrior
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Jul 15, 2010, 06:34 PM
 
I can still bridge-grip it and it'll drop to 1 bar. But apart from that the bars seem more stable/consistent.
     
AKcrab
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Jul 15, 2010, 06:57 PM
 
Originally Posted by mduell View Post
If my CrackBerry was like that I'd be throwing it at walls.
So far things are vastly improved, but it might just be the reboot freeing up memory, etc..
     
ort888
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Jul 15, 2010, 08:05 PM
 

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Wiskedjak
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Jul 15, 2010, 08:13 PM
 
Originally Posted by SSharon View Post
edit: 579mb, WTF!?
Data is rather small. It takes a lot of mb to effectively insulate an antenna.
     
SSharon
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Jul 15, 2010, 09:05 PM
 
Originally Posted by Wiskedjak View Post
Data is rather small. It takes a lot of mb to effectively insulate an antenna.
Lol, I'm just happy I was at work with 20mbit fios to download it.
AT&T iPhone 5S and 6; 13" MBP; MDD G4.
     
amazing
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Jul 15, 2010, 11:47 PM
 
Can barely wait for the spinfest tomorrow.
     
gradient
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Jul 16, 2010, 02:07 AM
 
Originally Posted by AKcrab View Post
So far things are vastly improved, but it might just be the reboot freeing up memory, etc..
Same experience here, after upgrading my 3G to 4.0.1. The entire interface has sped up noticeably, far more then after a reboot of 4.0. Hopefully it stays that way after a day or two of uptime.
     
badidea
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Jul 16, 2010, 07:30 AM
 
Just got my iPhone4 yesterday and have a question now (maybe it has already be answered in this thread but I couldn't find it reading half of the 12 pages).
Almost all non-Apple icons now are probably made for the old resolution as it seems - they just don't look very crisp! Even apps I just updated for iOS4! Is something wrong or do I have to live with that?
(by the way: can't see any issues with the antenna!!)
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Spheric Harlot
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Jul 16, 2010, 07:35 AM
 
Originally Posted by badidea View Post
lmost all non-Apple icons now are probably made for the old resolution as it seems - they just don't look very crisp! Even apps I just updated for iOS4! Is something wrong or do I have to live with that?
Just wait until the app developers get their shit together.

Originally Posted by badidea View Post
(by the way: can't see any issues with the antenna!!)
IIRC, you're on T-Mobile. The big difference here is that they actually have coverage.
     
badidea
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Jul 16, 2010, 08:39 AM
 
Originally Posted by Spheric Harlot View Post
Just wait until the app developers get their shit together.
Alright then.


IIRC, you're on T-Mobile. The big difference here is that they actually have coverage.
I cheered too early - I was just able to reproduce this problem very easily (maybe I didn't hold it at the right spots before) - 5 bars 3G-speed to no bars E-speed and back by holding it in a way Steve and I never would hold a phone!
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The Final Dakar
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Jul 16, 2010, 10:18 AM
 
Part of me would love it if they did a "one more thing" with this event.
     
scaught
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Jul 16, 2010, 10:32 AM
 
Originally Posted by The Final Dakar View Post
Part of me would love it if they did a "one more thing" with this event.
Iphone 5! BAM. The whole thing is made out of antenna! Eat a fat one, consumer reports!
     
amazing
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Jul 16, 2010, 11:09 AM
 
Anand Lal Shimpi wrapped the iPhone 4 in gold 1-mil Kapton tape that's the exact width of the stainless antenna band, and it really looks great!

The iPhone 4 Redux: Analyzing Apple's iOS 4.0.1 Signal Fix & Antenna Issue - AnandTech :: Your Source for Hardware Analysis and News

Unfortunately, wearing latex gloves gives better antenna protection than the kapton tape...and the bumper case gives the best protection of all.

The bumper case works best by virtue of not only insulating the antenna band but also by keeping the palm (or fingers) physically distant from the antenna band, thereby allowing room for the antenna to acquire a signal.

In essence, the bumper is simulating a better iPhone 4 case design where the antenna would have been situated in some way to allow more distance away from the antenna-smothering effect of holding it in the palm.

The downside is that thicker cases on the sides will give better antenna protection.

The rest of the above report shows how truly great the antenna is! Provided you put it in a case and hold it right.
     
amazing
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Jul 16, 2010, 11:26 AM
 
Here's a hilarious video of Whoopi talking about murdering her iPhone 4:

YouTube - Hot Topics- Whoopi Destroys Her iPhone - The View

Best phrase from the video--from Joy:

"If you put a rubber thing around it, it works. Didn't work for Levi Johnston..."
     
amazing
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Jul 16, 2010, 11:55 AM
 
And lastly, a very great synopsis of the issue,

Antenna guru: 'Get a bumper and learn the Vulcan iPhone Pinch' - iPod/iPhone - Macworld UK

further expert info from Spencer Webb:
iPhone 4 Meets The�GripOfDeathInator - AntennaSys Blog - AntennaSys, Inc. - antenna design, integration and consulting.

from which comes this very interesting summary: be sure to read #4 below, it really should be in a Headline font, and bolded:

We can make several interesting observations.

1) Gripping the Naked iPhone 4 certainly had a strong negative effect on the data rates, both upload and download.

2) The effect of the grips on the iPhone 3G is much smaller. But, the Full-Grip still reduces the data rate on upload.

3) Use of the Apple "Bumpers" has a very positive effect on performance. It mitigates much of the effect of the grips at our signal strength level.

4) The iPhone 4 data rates still beat the iPhone 3G data rates under all grip conditions.

5) There was a large spread in the data during the Full-Grip, in both upload and download. This highlights the sensitivity of the antenna design to direct contact by the hand.
     
turtle777
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Jul 16, 2010, 01:35 PM
 
Free cases for every iPhone 4 buyer. Thanks, Apple.

-t
     
-Q-
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Jul 16, 2010, 02:33 PM
 
I was really impressed to see it go beyond just their bumpers, but offering a selection of third party cases, too.
     
amazing
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Jul 16, 2010, 07:49 PM
 
On the other hand, I was shocked--absolutely shocked, say I--to find out from today's press conference that Apple only found out about the reception problem 22 days ago!

Well, laying that aside:
What were they thinking, designing a quality control testing program that could so easily overlook a major, major problem? Did they never test the new phone in borderline reception areas? Betcha the Apple Campus doesn't have ANY 1 bar reception areas, but surely Apple tested it in borderline fringe reception areas? San Francisco is littered with them, by all accounts! Wouldn't have to go far at all!

So, secrecy demanded that all prototypes had to be well encased...there you are, bitten in the proverbial tender spot by secrecy...
     
bobandris
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Jul 18, 2010, 08:41 PM
 
If you return your iPhone 4, within 30 days of purchase, because of the antenna problem; do you regain your previous upgrade status, such that a month or two later you could purchase a new replacement at your original price?

Many Thanks,
Bob
     
MacinTommy
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Jul 18, 2010, 09:08 PM
 
Originally Posted by bobandris View Post
If you return your iPhone 4, within 30 days of purchase, because of the antenna problem; do you regain your previous upgrade status, such that a month or two later you could purchase a new replacement at your original price?

Many Thanks,
Bob
I'm gonna make an educated guess and say that you will be able to re-upgrade if you return the phone before the 30 days is over. It wouldn't make sense if you couldn't.
     
imitchellg5
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Jul 23, 2010, 10:17 AM
 
The white iPhone 4 is delayed yet again, until the end of the year. I'm tired of waiting.
     
-Q-
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Jul 23, 2010, 10:42 AM
 
Apple has published the page for the free case. To order your free iPhone case, you have to download an app:

Apple - iPhone 4 - Case Program
     
Cold Warrior
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Jul 23, 2010, 10:49 AM
 
Done and done. 3-5 weeks though.
     
-Q-
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Jul 23, 2010, 11:04 AM
 
     
-Q-
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Jul 23, 2010, 11:09 AM
 
Quick review and recommendation(s) of the cases offered by Apple:

Apple iPhone 4 Case Program - Here Are The Best + Worst Picks | iLounge Backstage
     
rickey939
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Jul 23, 2010, 11:21 AM
 
Steve didn't know this just 7 short days ago? Sigh.
     
amazing
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Jul 23, 2010, 12:24 PM
 
Just can't resist posting this link:

Most iPhone users love AT&T - Jul. 23, 2010

Hmmm? Most iPhone users love ATT?
     
ort888
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Jul 23, 2010, 12:36 PM
 
I wonder if they are doing some sort of actual hardware fix to all future iPhones and are holding back the white ones until it's ready. Maybe some sort of non-conductive clear coating or something simple.

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imitchellg5
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Jul 23, 2010, 12:53 PM
 
It's possible.
     
MacinTommy
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Jul 23, 2010, 01:21 PM
 
Am I missing something? I already had the app but can't figure out where to go... and yes I'm signed into itunes.
     
Cold Warrior
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Jul 23, 2010, 01:24 PM
 
make sure it's this app not the Apple Store app.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/iphon...383941000?mt=8
     
MacinTommy
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Jul 23, 2010, 01:32 PM
 
Originally Posted by Cold Warrior View Post
make sure it's this app not the Apple Store app.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/iphon...383941000?mt=8
Ah, the missing link! Thanks.
     
FireWire
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Jul 23, 2010, 01:42 PM
 
Originally Posted by -Q- View Post
Quick review and recommendation(s) of the cases offered by Apple:

Apple iPhone 4 Case Program - Here Are The Best + Worst Picks | iLounge Backstage
What? they really sold that rubber band for 30$ and it causes incompatibilities with accessories? I thought they were going for like 5$
     
ajprice
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Jul 23, 2010, 02:03 PM
 
Ordered a Griffin Reveal Etch. I was going to get a black Bumper, but apparently it's a bit too chunky to fit into accessory docks.


It'll be much easier if you just comply.
     
 
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