Consumer Reports 'Can't Recommend' iPhone 4 Due to Signal Issues

Discussion in 'Non-Android Smart Phones' started by kenbarnum, Jul 12, 2010.

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  1. kenbarnum

    kenbarnum Member

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    This is too funny! From macrumors.com (which is super pro apple):
    Consumer Reports 'Can't Recommend' iPhone 4 Due to Signal Issues - Mac Rumors

    Consumer Reports 'Can't Recommend' iPhone 4 Due to Signal Issues

    Monday July 12, 2010 12:04 PM EST; Category: iPhone
    Written by Eric Slivka
    Earlier this month, popular product review and comparison group Consumer Reports noted that it felt that signal issues with the iPhone 4 were not significant enough for users to forgo buying the device, citing overall improvement in signal strength and the fact that many phones experience the same issue. Bottom line: There's no reason, at least yet, to forgo buying an iPhone 4 over its reception concerns. And even if those do materialize, Apple's Steve Jobs helpfully reminds new iPhone buyers that "you can return your undamaged iPhone to any Apple Retail Store or the online Apple Store within 30 days of purchase for a full refund."
    Just one day later, however, Consumer Reports confirmed that it had been able to duplicate the signal loss issue in real-life settings, something it wasn't able to do in its testing center.


    Today, as part of its smartphone ratings, Consumer Reports officially reports that it is unable to offer a "recommended" label for the iPhone 4, despite the fact that the device's feature set placed it at the top of the magazine's rankings. It's official. Consumer Reports' engineers have just completed testing the iPhone 4, and have confirmed that there is a problem with its reception. When your finger or hand touches a spot on the phone's lower left side -- an easy thing, especially for lefties -- the signal can significantly degrade enough to cause you to lose your connection altogether if you're in an area with a weak signal. Due to this problem, we can't recommend the iPhone 4.
    The magazine confirmed the signal loss issue in its testing laboratories while also finding no comparable loss in other smartphones, including the iPhone 3GS, suggesting that Apple's claim that the problem is simply a software display issue may not be true. The magazine also confirmed that duct tape placed over the affected portion of the case alleviates the issue, as should also be the case with cases and bumpers.

    Consequently, Consumer Reports notes that it is unable to recommend the iPhone 4 until Apple comes up with a permanent and free fix for the signal issues.
     
    #1 kenbarnum, Jul 12, 2010
  2. Darkseider

    Darkseider Senior Member

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    I applaud consumer reports for having the balls to report the TRUTH. It's about time a credible source of information has the guts to stand up to the mighty Apple and say it like it is.
     
    #2 Darkseider, Jul 12, 2010
  3. Mojo

    Mojo Active Member

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    Introducing iTape.. the ultimate fix for your iPhone reception issues

    [​IMG]
     
    #3 Mojo, Jul 12, 2010
  4. Backnblack

    Backnblack Premium Member
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    The fanbois will spin the report....
     
    #4 Backnblack, Jul 12, 2010
  5. Droidee

    Droidee Member

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    LMFAO and ROFL. The tape is hysterical and sadly true. LOL
     
    #5 Droidee, Jul 12, 2010
  6. Martin030908

    Martin030908 Super Moderator

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    500 dollar device that only works right with a piece of duct tape.... lol

    priceless.
     
    #6 Martin030908, Jul 12, 2010
  7. jntdroid

    jntdroid Super Moderator
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    The inconsistent signal is actually better for two reasons. 1) It helps decrease radiation exposure to the brain, and 2) It helps bring the personal touch back to our lives, forcing us to unpredictably have to revert back to using landlines or face to face conversation.

    :icon_ poke:
     
    #7 jntdroid, Jul 12, 2010
  8. aaf709

    aaf709 Nice Guy
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    I like that word free. This is like any product that faces a recall. They should give away bumpers (to be fair, you have to put in a claim that you have a problem first); it would help their PR no end.
     
    #8 aaf709, Jul 12, 2010
  9. jroc

    jroc Silver Member

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    I agree, I wonder what ppl are gonna say about Consumer Reports. I use them when looking to buy cars. So I would have no problem trusting their judgment on a phone.
     
    #9 jroc, Jul 12, 2010
  10. jntdroid

    jntdroid Super Moderator
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    i've used them for a handful of other items in addition to cars and their reviews/advice have always held solid... i know a lot of people that trust them as well, so, in my opinion, i think this is a pretty big publicity hit for apple
     
    #10 jntdroid, Jul 12, 2010
  11. kenbarnum

    kenbarnum Member

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    Consumer Reports is the best. I check them before any major purchase and they always seem to be right on the money.
     
    #11 kenbarnum, Jul 12, 2010
  12. debdroid1a

    debdroid1a Member

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    I did that for cell phones. Years ago I checked and at the time Sprint or Verizon were top for service and phones. I went with Sprint because the phone was cheaper and at the time that's all I needed. This year I checked again and Verizon was tops for service and phones. The Droid wasn't in the list of phones it rated because it was too new, but I looked at the list online to see if I wanted any instead of the Droid. Didn't.

    I'm also glad CS reported the truth.
     
    #12 debdroid1a, Jul 12, 2010
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