And herein lies the repeated post of probably 10 million know-it-alls across the web, who of course and to no surprise, actually know precisely **** about antennas, engineering, or whats going on with the iPhone.
Thanks though, for making the last few weeks an example of why journalism and the internet, are definitely, 100%, not the same.
Take a look in the mirror, dude. You must have flunked science class, if you were in school long enough to get to one.
P.S. Are you on Apple's payroll. You certainly are an Apple apologist.
How in the world do you get from that statement to pretending that I claimed that I DO know what is going on? There is no such logical inference.
As for Apple, you're free to believe that they're a lying bunch of scumbags if you wish. I couldn't care less. But my statement is 100% accurate. NO ONE is going to have more factual information about the problem and its solution than Apple. It's absolutely insane to think otherwise.
Now, that doesn't mean that they'll necessarily tell the full truth, but it doesn't change the fact that they certainly know more about the problem than all the bloggers and anonymous posters here. As for telling the truth, Apple has a long history of admitting their errors and the best customer satisfaction of any computer or cell phone manufacturer. You don't get that by continuously lying to your customers, the press, the government, and so on. But go ahead and believe it if is somehow makes your feeble little life any better.
Your lack of cognitive connection is most assuredly not my problem.
However, if you go around stating...
"Let's just wait for real data interpreted by people who know what they're talking about (which does not include bloggers or NYT journalists or CR 'testers', apparently)."
then you really shouldn't be 'stunned' when you're called on your claim that "bloggers or NYT journalists or CR 'testers' " don't know what they're talking about, a judgement that could only be possible if you were possession of the facts. It's quite a simple concept really. That you don't understand the implications of the things you write is however tragic.
Here's a newsflash for you - I don't think Apple are scumbags, irrespective of your pathetic attempt to put those words in my mouth. I think they're a gigantic, successful multinational that will do whatever they can to mitigate the damage to their bottom line and their shareholders. And that includes whatever disingenuous PR stuff that suck-ups like you will let them get away with.
And you're right for a change - no matter that they have 100% knowledge of what the antenna issues are, they'll only release whatever they can't avoid disclosing. It's absolutely insane to think otherwise.
Continuous lying to its customers? Neat strawman argument there, but it doesn't need to be "continuous". If they're lying, they're lying. But that's your call.
How many posts have you expended defending this huge corporation jragosta? And how many months of your life does that add up to? Yet you have the cheek to criticise my "feeble little life"? You pathetic little sycophantic jerk.
And where are the links to all those criticisms of Apple "when they've deserved it" that you claimed in another thread, to have posted? We're still waiting.
Apple has a very poor record of resolving hardware problems for customers. They may (or may not) resolve the hardware problem with subsequent production, but are extremely unlikely to offer a fix (free or otherwise) to customers with a hardware problem that is widespread.
Really? Apple is widely recognized as offering the BEST customer service in the industry and having the highest customer satisfaction rates. What evidence is there to support your claim?
In any case, Apple may have made a mistake about a press conference (made the main stream news big time), rather than just a simple press release that said-
As of today we have sold over x million ip4's. We are humbled that so many customers agree with us that this is the best smart phone Apple has ever made.
We have identified some quality control and technical issues that may be a problem for some users in low signal areas. We believe we have corrected those issues with manufactureing and software updates.
Any one not happy with the ip4 can-
Return it within xxx days for a full refund.
Exchange it within xxx days with an appointment at the local apple store or xxx store.
All ip4 users will receive a $50 credit for use in the Apple store.
We sincerly apologize for an any inconvience this may have caused you
Hell yeah! Apple can buy me off. Doubt this will happen, though.
Really? Apple is widely recognized as offering the BEST customer service in the industry and having the highest customer satisfaction rates. What evidence is there to support your claim?
One has absolutely nothing to do with the other. The fact of the matter is that, when there has been a widespread hardware problem, Apple have frequently left the customer high and dry.
That has NOTHING to do with whether people are satisfied with the products which do work well.
One has absolutely nothing to do with the other. The fact of the matter is that, when there has been a widespread hardware problem, Apple have frequently left the customer high and dry.
That has NOTHING to do with whether people are satisfied with the products which do work well.
I see. So people are always happy to be left high and dry with widespread hardware problems?
But go ahead and try to back up your claim. The iMac yellow screen problem is the most recent hardware problem on Apple products - and Apple replaced affected computers. Where's your evidence of those users affected by widespread problems being left high and dry.
Take a look in the mirror, dude. You must have flunked science class, if you were in school long enough to get to one.
P.S. Are you on Apple's payroll. You certainly are an Apple apologist.
Considering you're the one who posted this...>
Quote:
Originally Posted by RBR
Apple has a very poor record of resolving hardware problems for customers. They may (or may not) resolve the hardware problem with subsequent production, but are extremely unlikely to offer a fix (free or otherwise) to customers with a hardware problem that is widespread.
...it's clear that you are speaking from nothing, no knowledge, experience, research, or reading.
In which case, you can help everyone by shutting the lid on the fountain of nothing.
"Let's just wait for real data interpreted by people who know what they're talking about (which does not include bloggers or NYT journalists or CR 'testers', apparently)."
So you do believe you know who don't know the answer, which by extension means you actually are playing the "I know the answer" game (otherwise you wouldn't be in a positon to judge), despite your hollow protestations to the contrary.
I can tell you that the least likely to admit culpability is the perpetrator. So your propensity to take Apple's word as the truth in this matter, before you even hear what their explanation is, clearly positions you as having prejudged the issue. Apple apologist you certainly are.
You characterise me as an Apple hater when I am also clearly not. I readily confess to not being a mindless Apple suck-up such as yourself, however. And I'd believe the info from AnandTech and ConsumerReports over the sycophantic excuses you continually make for Apple any day. Your passion for Apple has clouded your judgement to the extent that you are spending way too much time 'defending' the indefensible.
Take a few days off this quixotic mission of yours and take a breath or two. The imaginary Apple hater windmills will still be there to tilt at for weeks to come, I'm sure.
Proclaiming oneself as an enlightened critic with the available contributions you have made demonstrating otherwise is easily as much a sin as his. The least likely category is also going to be those whose stock in trade is generating as much churn (and page hits) and controversy as possible, and of course those for whom any issue which qualifies Apple's alleged dominance in this category is a good thing.
And actually for the record, while you disclaim that you are NOT an Apple hater (which claim I can easily believe), you insist on a stance which questions motivations and expertise on the part of Apple basing your opinion largely on rumor, innuendo and speculation - again based on the opinions you freely express in your postings. You in fact have no idea how widespread this issue is (no one is since no publically known reliable statistics exist)- relying on the ubiqutious "MANY" qualifier, and so on. Based on the soft foundation of these claims you layer on Anand's observations, and then you ignore when others apparently qualifed engineers challenge those findings independent of any commentary in these threads.
To claim you are an unbiased critic or observer under the demonstrated bias from so many of your postings is hardly grounds for being anything critical of anyone else who might decide to champion Apple in this case, jragosta or otherwise. You sir are damned by your own words if you will.
If on the other hand you had demonstrated a truly unbaised and objective stance you would well have a basis to call out any champion or detractor for excesses of enthusiasm or defensiveness. But you didn't, and since you give no quarter in your personal criticism of others you should not be offended when none is granted you.
As for Apple, you're free to believe that they're a lying bunch of scumbags if you wish. I couldn't care less. But my statement is 100% accurate. NO ONE is going to have more factual information about the problem and its solution than Apple. It's absolutely insane to think otherwise.
+1
Thank you.
It's staggering, embarrassing, and all together ridiculous how many people disagree with the above statement...of which there is no room in the physical, logical world, for disagreement. It's like saying it gets dark at night. There is no feasible argument against it. Other than to whine and cry and say, 'Nooo it doesn't! '
Apple has the best (and only) knowledge of what's actually going on. For the next hour, anyway.
Many of these threads contain complaints about all of the different things that Apple might do to fix the antenna problem, blaming Apple for indecision and confusion about what to do. However, Apple has not had any sort of official comment recently, so these potential solutions are all other people's speculation. Before judging Apple's response (to be good or bad), can we please wait to see what they actually have to say tomorrow?
Heaven forfend, we wait to find out what they actually say and do. Not that what they actually say and do will stop the speculation and bitter griping.
...it's clear that you are speaking from nothing, no knowledge, experience, research, or reading.
In which case, you can help everyone by shutting the lid on the fountain of nothing.
On the contrary. I am speaking from first hand knowledge and experience. You are obviously not at all knowledgeable. If you had been around the Mac platform for long you would know better than to be such a fool.
Apple has a very poor record of resolving hardware problems for customers. They may (or may not) resolve the hardware problem with subsequent production, but are extremely unlikely to offer a fix (free or otherwise) to customers with a hardware problem that is widespread.
This is known as an hanging statement - run out in a forum like this with absolutely no supporting evidence. Only slightly worse are the "well everyone knows that..." and "it's common knowledge that..." danglies that get appended to the above.
Magically trollicious. Seriously. I am at a loss to explain why a person, who one assumes has much better things to do with the 60 or 70 odd years of existence available to them would waste such time and effort being a detractor in a site that obviously is a place where those who admire and use the devices in question come together. Other than there is relative safety in the anonymity of sitting behind a screen instead of face to face. In some ways its rather unfortunate that unlike the saloons of the Old West where everyone is virtually guaranteed to be wearing a sidearm, and equally able to deliver a pointed response to obvious stupidity, a more permanent response to such continuous trolling is not available.
Wait for it - we will now get the requisite disclaimer of - I've used Macs longer than all the rest of you, own more stock and am an expert in (name your field) - and therefore am qualified to spew forth my opinions at will.
I see. So people are always happy to be left high and dry with widespread hardware problems?
But go ahead and try to back up your claim. The iMac yellow screen problem is the most recent hardware problem on Apple products - and Apple replaced affected computers. Where's your evidence of those users affected by widespread problems being left high and dry.
No, not at all. One should remember the nature of customer satisfaction surveys. Although Apple have a history of higher than industry standard customer satisfaction, that is not always saying much. (Have you ever dealt with Dell? May Michael Dell rot in hell.)
Even with an overall higher than industry standard for general satisfaction, Apple have nevertheless failed to deal with a number of problems on systems. I, for one, would not be encouraged that Apple would do whatever is necessary to "make right' an inherent hardware problem with an iPhone I had purchased. If there is a sample defect, and they are able to document it, I would have greater confidence in Apple taking care of the matter.
I will concede that Apple has gotten better about making right isolated problems. My experience with other systems has been that you are pretty much on your own.
Apple has a very poor record of resolving hardware problems for customers. They may (or may not) resolve the hardware problem with subsequent production, but are extremely unlikely to offer a fix (free or otherwise) to customers with a hardware problem that is widespread.
Hmm, in january this year i got my 3GS replaced with a brand new unit after a 5 minute call to applecare and a 5 minute visit to the genius bar. it was a minor, almost cosmetic issue. my partner has had an ipod or two replaced without any trouble. my work mate had an ipod classic replaced, although as they didn't have the same model in stock, he could pay a small sum and get one with a larger capacity hard drive instead. on the other side, my friend's partner had trouble with Apple Japan getting a faulty iPod replaced, and of course on the net you read all sorts of horror stories. They're not perfect, but to say they have a poor record is, i dare say, unfair. do you have any evidence to back that up, because sales would point the other direction.
Hmm, in january this year i got my 3GS replaced with a brand new unit after a 5 minute call to applecare and a 5 minute visit to the genius bar. it was a minor, almost cosmetic issue. my partner has had an ipod or two replaced without any trouble. my work mate had an ipod classic replaced, although as they didn't have the same model in stock, he could pay a small sum and get one with a larger capacity hard drive instead. on the other side, my friend's partner had trouble with Apple Japan getting a faulty iPod replaced, and of course on the net you read all sorts of horror stories. They're not perfect, but to say they have a poor record is, i dare say, unfair. do you have any evidence to back that up, because sales would point the other direction.
I am pleased that you have had good experience with your hardware repairs/replacement. I have not been so fortunate. Roughly two years ago, I gave an iPhone back to Apple because it malfunctioned in almost every function. I had taken it in to the Genius Bar twice for a complete diagnostic. It simply was no good and so I bailed on it. With an earlier PowerMac, there were defective hard drive controllers, Firewire modules and out-of-spec (from the factory) RAM, that were common to the entire model. Not only was Apple of no assistance whatsoever, but they stonewalled everyone, leaving us to sort out what was wrong and figure out solutions.
I certainly hope that your favorable experience is more common than not today. Really, I do. I believe that the company stores with better trained personnel are probably a (positive) factor. There used to be an axiom with Apple products, "Never buy a Rev A". I am still inclined to never buy a first production run.
As far as sales go, bad customer experience does not always translate to declining sales...take Dell Computers, for example. Please take them! Dell has the most loathsome excuse for customer support imaginable. I once commented to someone that Dell's (outsourced) customer support personnel were functionally illiterate in English. He responded that, in his experience, I was being far too kind in my evaluation. Nevertheless, Dell sells a bunch of product.
You may take note that I am still using Apple products notwithstanding the fact that not all my experiences with Apple have been favorable. I suppose that says something or other. Those experiences make me leery of being in too big of a rush to buy the first run of any new Apple product.
As things relate to the iPhone 4, I am of the opinion that the reason(s) for such a difference in unit to unit performance have yet to be fully determined. I have personally held at least half a dozen different iPhone 4 units in all the "wrong" ways to test them. Some of them have an almost immediate plunge in displayed signal strength and some of them (at the same location with only a few seconds difference in time) would show no displayed signal loss at all. The ones which lost displayed signal strength would usually go from 5 bars to 3, then 2 and then none at all. I think there is something very odd going on in addition to the matters which have been reported. Additionally, I have spoken with a number of other people who have been using the iPhone 4 and a surprisingly large number of my admittedly small sample have experienced little trouble with dropped calls even without a case or bumper.
In a few minutes we should see what approach Apple has chosen to take. Let's hope they get out in front of it and commit to determining what problem(s) there may be and work to resolve them.
Proclaiming oneself as an enlightened critic with the available contributions you have made demonstrating otherwise is easily as much a sin as his. The least likely category is also going to be those whose stock in trade is generating as much churn (and page hits) and controversy as possible, and of course those for whom any issue which qualifies Apple's alleged dominance in this category is a good thing.
And actually for the record, while you disclaim that you are NOT an Apple hater (which claim I can easily believe), you insist on a stance which questions motivations and expertise on the part of Apple basing your opinion largely on rumor, innuendo and speculation - again based on the opinions you freely express in your postings. You in fact have no idea how widespread this issue is (no one is since no publically known reliable statistics exist)- relying on the ubiqutious "MANY" qualifier, and so on. Based on the soft foundation of these claims you layer on Anand's observations, and then you ignore when others apparently qualifed engineers challenge those findings independent of any commentary in these threads.
To claim you are an unbiased critic or observer under the demonstrated bias from so many of your postings is hardly grounds for being anything critical of anyone else who might decide to champion Apple in this case, jragosta or otherwise. You sir are damned by your own words if you will.
If on the other hand you had demonstrated a truly unbaised and objective stance you would well have a basis to call out any champion or detractor for excesses of enthusiasm or defensiveness. But you didn't, and since you give no quarter in your personal criticism of others you should not be offended when none is granted you.
A rather er... copious critique if I may say so.
I never proclaimed myself as an "enlightened critic". And my contributions, while not being to your taste apparently, have been hopefully coherent and more interesting than a lot of what is contributed here at AI. If I fail, then it's not for want of trying.
I freely admit to not having an insider's knowledge of what goes on within Apple, so my observations, opinions and hopes are based on the reports, hopes, rumors and fantasies of the blogosphere and the mainstream media. I feel I'm entitled to be a little sceptical of the corporate stance of the companies that produce the gadgets that interest me.
I appreciate that you find it in your heart to accept that I am not, as jragosta categorises me, an Apple hater.
There are many here who champion Apple, including (perhaps unbelievably considering the context of much of my posting here) myself. Few of those are the extreme, mindless attackers of those who question Apple, as personified by jragosta. If you admire his behaviour, then it's something we'll be forever disagreeing on. Unfortunately.
Note that I have attempted to avoid insults and for the most part have been successful in that, but there have been exceptions, and they are those occasions when I have been insulted first. Simply stated, if you treat me decently, then I will respond in kind.
As far as bias, I'd say that's in the eye of the beholder. Make you own mind up.
No really guys and gals, I'd like to know if Americans give a rat's ass (have the same distrust as Aussies)
about The Media and Politicians?
Though my confidence in popular media outlets is also extremely low this is the wrong place. Lots of political forums you can discuss this kind of stuff, lets keep it tech here.
Since the antenna is exposed, touching it with your hand causes attenuation. Well then, use it to your advantage - you now have a chance to improve reception by adding an external antenna like this dude…]
I think the issue actually lies in bridging the Cell and Wifi/Bluetooth antennae. Remember that the frame is in 3 parts, 2 of which are antennae.
You have a good point though, if I touch the rabbit ears for our TV the signal strength like doubles. Apple could use this to their advantage.
Did that issue effect all E71's or only a small number as is the case with the iPhone 4? Remember that the iPhone's "shitty antenna" has been reviewed as best-in-class by several reputable tech sites, iirc, and there are at least a million and a half satisfied customers out there still.
The iPhone 4 antenna is only best in class when it's not being held "wrong"--the reviewers have made that clear, but fanboys/shareholders have a hard time reading that text.
Perhaps more people are dissatisfied with the iPhone 4 antenna than all E71s sold.
All of the remaining iPhone 4 customers may have the antenna problem but just don't know it yet, or they will always keep the phone in an extra-cost case and will never know.
Comments
And herein lies the repeated post of probably 10 million know-it-alls across the web, who of course and to no surprise, actually know precisely **** about antennas, engineering, or whats going on with the iPhone.
Thanks though, for making the last few weeks an example of why journalism and the internet, are definitely, 100%, not the same.
Take a look in the mirror, dude. You must have flunked science class, if you were in school long enough to get to one.
P.S. Are you on Apple's payroll. You certainly are an Apple apologist.
How in the world do you get from that statement to pretending that I claimed that I DO know what is going on? There is no such logical inference.
As for Apple, you're free to believe that they're a lying bunch of scumbags if you wish. I couldn't care less. But my statement is 100% accurate. NO ONE is going to have more factual information about the problem and its solution than Apple. It's absolutely insane to think otherwise.
Now, that doesn't mean that they'll necessarily tell the full truth, but it doesn't change the fact that they certainly know more about the problem than all the bloggers and anonymous posters here. As for telling the truth, Apple has a long history of admitting their errors and the best customer satisfaction of any computer or cell phone manufacturer. You don't get that by continuously lying to your customers, the press, the government, and so on. But go ahead and believe it if is somehow makes your feeble little life any better.
Your lack of cognitive connection is most assuredly not my problem.
However, if you go around stating...
"Let's just wait for real data interpreted by people who know what they're talking about (which does not include bloggers or NYT journalists or CR 'testers', apparently)."
then you really shouldn't be 'stunned' when you're called on your claim that "bloggers or NYT journalists or CR 'testers' " don't know what they're talking about, a judgement that could only be possible if you were possession of the facts. It's quite a simple concept really. That you don't understand the implications of the things you write is however tragic.
Here's a newsflash for you - I don't think Apple are scumbags, irrespective of your pathetic attempt to put those words in my mouth. I think they're a gigantic, successful multinational that will do whatever they can to mitigate the damage to their bottom line and their shareholders. And that includes whatever disingenuous PR stuff that suck-ups like you will let them get away with.
And you're right for a change - no matter that they have 100% knowledge of what the antenna issues are, they'll only release whatever they can't avoid disclosing. It's absolutely insane to think otherwise.
Continuous lying to its customers? Neat strawman argument there, but it doesn't need to be "continuous". If they're lying, they're lying. But that's your call.
How many posts have you expended defending this huge corporation jragosta? And how many months of your life does that add up to? Yet you have the cheek to criticise my "feeble little life"? You pathetic little sycophantic jerk.
And where are the links to all those criticisms of Apple "when they've deserved it" that you claimed in another thread, to have posted? We're still waiting.
Apple has a very poor record of resolving hardware problems for customers. They may (or may not) resolve the hardware problem with subsequent production, but are extremely unlikely to offer a fix (free or otherwise) to customers with a hardware problem that is widespread.
Really? Apple is widely recognized as offering the BEST customer service in the industry and having the highest customer satisfaction rates. What evidence is there to support your claim?
In any case, Apple may have made a mistake about a press conference (made the main stream news big time), rather than just a simple press release that said-
As of today we have sold over x million ip4's. We are humbled that so many customers agree with us that this is the best smart phone Apple has ever made.
We have identified some quality control and technical issues that may be a problem for some users in low signal areas. We believe we have corrected those issues with manufactureing and software updates.
Any one not happy with the ip4 can-
Return it within xxx days for a full refund.
Exchange it within xxx days with an appointment at the local apple store or xxx store.
All ip4 users will receive a $50 credit for use in the Apple store.
We sincerly apologize for an any inconvience this may have caused you
Hell yeah! Apple can buy me off. Doubt this will happen, though.
i'm sorry to say that your experience and opinion is irrelevant here. only doomsday stories are creditable.
I should have put my original post in CAPS. That would've added a little credibility.
Really? Apple is widely recognized as offering the BEST customer service in the industry and having the highest customer satisfaction rates. What evidence is there to support your claim?
One has absolutely nothing to do with the other. The fact of the matter is that, when there has been a widespread hardware problem, Apple have frequently left the customer high and dry.
That has NOTHING to do with whether people are satisfied with the products which do work well.
One has absolutely nothing to do with the other. The fact of the matter is that, when there has been a widespread hardware problem, Apple have frequently left the customer high and dry.
That has NOTHING to do with whether people are satisfied with the products which do work well.
I see. So people are always happy to be left high and dry with widespread hardware problems?
But go ahead and try to back up your claim. The iMac yellow screen problem is the most recent hardware problem on Apple products - and Apple replaced affected computers. Where's your evidence of those users affected by widespread problems being left high and dry.
Take a look in the mirror, dude. You must have flunked science class, if you were in school long enough to get to one.
P.S. Are you on Apple's payroll. You certainly are an Apple apologist.
Apple has a very poor record of resolving hardware problems for customers. They may (or may not) resolve the hardware problem with subsequent production, but are extremely unlikely to offer a fix (free or otherwise) to customers with a hardware problem that is widespread.
...it's clear that you are speaking from nothing, no knowledge, experience, research, or reading.
In which case, you can help everyone by shutting the lid on the fountain of nothing.
"Let's just wait for real data interpreted by people who know what they're talking about (which does not include bloggers or NYT journalists or CR 'testers', apparently)."
So you do believe you know who don't know the answer, which by extension means you actually are playing the "I know the answer" game (otherwise you wouldn't be in a positon to judge), despite your hollow protestations to the contrary.
I can tell you that the least likely to admit culpability is the perpetrator. So your propensity to take Apple's word as the truth in this matter, before you even hear what their explanation is, clearly positions you as having prejudged the issue. Apple apologist you certainly are.
You characterise me as an Apple hater when I am also clearly not. I readily confess to not being a mindless Apple suck-up such as yourself, however. And I'd believe the info from AnandTech and ConsumerReports over the sycophantic excuses you continually make for Apple any day. Your passion for Apple has clouded your judgement to the extent that you are spending way too much time 'defending' the indefensible.
Take a few days off this quixotic mission of yours and take a breath or two. The imaginary Apple hater windmills will still be there to tilt at for weeks to come, I'm sure.
Proclaiming oneself as an enlightened critic with the available contributions you have made demonstrating otherwise is easily as much a sin as his. The least likely category is also going to be those whose stock in trade is generating as much churn (and page hits) and controversy as possible, and of course those for whom any issue which qualifies Apple's alleged dominance in this category is a good thing.
And actually for the record, while you disclaim that you are NOT an Apple hater (which claim I can easily believe), you insist on a stance which questions motivations and expertise on the part of Apple basing your opinion largely on rumor, innuendo and speculation - again based on the opinions you freely express in your postings. You in fact have no idea how widespread this issue is (no one is since no publically known reliable statistics exist)- relying on the ubiqutious "MANY" qualifier, and so on. Based on the soft foundation of these claims you layer on Anand's observations, and then you ignore when others apparently qualifed engineers challenge those findings independent of any commentary in these threads.
To claim you are an unbiased critic or observer under the demonstrated bias from so many of your postings is hardly grounds for being anything critical of anyone else who might decide to champion Apple in this case, jragosta or otherwise. You sir are damned by your own words if you will.
If on the other hand you had demonstrated a truly unbaised and objective stance you would well have a basis to call out any champion or detractor for excesses of enthusiasm or defensiveness. But you didn't, and since you give no quarter in your personal criticism of others you should not be offended when none is granted you.
As for Apple, you're free to believe that they're a lying bunch of scumbags if you wish. I couldn't care less. But my statement is 100% accurate. NO ONE is going to have more factual information about the problem and its solution than Apple. It's absolutely insane to think otherwise.
+1
Thank you.
It's staggering, embarrassing, and all together ridiculous how many people disagree with the above statement...of which there is no room in the physical, logical world, for disagreement. It's like saying it gets dark at night. There is no feasible argument against it. Other than to whine and cry and say, 'Nooo it doesn't!
Apple has the best (and only) knowledge of what's actually going on. For the next hour, anyway.
Many of these threads contain complaints about all of the different things that Apple might do to fix the antenna problem, blaming Apple for indecision and confusion about what to do. However, Apple has not had any sort of official comment recently, so these potential solutions are all other people's speculation. Before judging Apple's response (to be good or bad), can we please wait to see what they actually have to say tomorrow?
Heaven forfend, we wait to find out what they actually say and do. Not that what they actually say and do will stop the speculation and bitter griping.
...it's clear that you are speaking from nothing, no knowledge, experience, research, or reading.
In which case, you can help everyone by shutting the lid on the fountain of nothing.
On the contrary. I am speaking from first hand knowledge and experience. You are obviously not at all knowledgeable. If you had been around the Mac platform for long you would know better than to be such a fool.
That's sound advice.
Apple has a very poor record of resolving hardware problems for customers. They may (or may not) resolve the hardware problem with subsequent production, but are extremely unlikely to offer a fix (free or otherwise) to customers with a hardware problem that is widespread.
This is known as an hanging statement - run out in a forum like this with absolutely no supporting evidence. Only slightly worse are the "well everyone knows that..." and "it's common knowledge that..." danglies that get appended to the above.
Magically trollicious. Seriously. I am at a loss to explain why a person, who one assumes has much better things to do with the 60 or 70 odd years of existence available to them would waste such time and effort being a detractor in a site that obviously is a place where those who admire and use the devices in question come together. Other than there is relative safety in the anonymity of sitting behind a screen instead of face to face. In some ways its rather unfortunate that unlike the saloons of the Old West where everyone is virtually guaranteed to be wearing a sidearm, and equally able to deliver a pointed response to obvious stupidity, a more permanent response to such continuous trolling is not available.
Wait for it - we will now get the requisite disclaimer of - I've used Macs longer than all the rest of you, own more stock and am an expert in (name your field) - and therefore am qualified to spew forth my opinions at will.
I see. So people are always happy to be left high and dry with widespread hardware problems?
But go ahead and try to back up your claim. The iMac yellow screen problem is the most recent hardware problem on Apple products - and Apple replaced affected computers. Where's your evidence of those users affected by widespread problems being left high and dry.
No, not at all. One should remember the nature of customer satisfaction surveys. Although Apple have a history of higher than industry standard customer satisfaction, that is not always saying much. (Have you ever dealt with Dell? May Michael Dell rot in hell.)
Even with an overall higher than industry standard for general satisfaction, Apple have nevertheless failed to deal with a number of problems on systems. I, for one, would not be encouraged that Apple would do whatever is necessary to "make right' an inherent hardware problem with an iPhone I had purchased. If there is a sample defect, and they are able to document it, I would have greater confidence in Apple taking care of the matter.
I will concede that Apple has gotten better about making right isolated problems. My experience with other systems has been that you are pretty much on your own.
That's sound advice.
Apple has a very poor record of resolving hardware problems for customers. They may (or may not) resolve the hardware problem with subsequent production, but are extremely unlikely to offer a fix (free or otherwise) to customers with a hardware problem that is widespread.
Hmm, in january this year i got my 3GS replaced with a brand new unit after a 5 minute call to applecare and a 5 minute visit to the genius bar. it was a minor, almost cosmetic issue. my partner has had an ipod or two replaced without any trouble. my work mate had an ipod classic replaced, although as they didn't have the same model in stock, he could pay a small sum and get one with a larger capacity hard drive instead. on the other side, my friend's partner had trouble with Apple Japan getting a faulty iPod replaced, and of course on the net you read all sorts of horror stories. They're not perfect, but to say they have a poor record is, i dare say, unfair. do you have any evidence to back that up, because sales would point the other direction.
Hmm, in january this year i got my 3GS replaced with a brand new unit after a 5 minute call to applecare and a 5 minute visit to the genius bar. it was a minor, almost cosmetic issue. my partner has had an ipod or two replaced without any trouble. my work mate had an ipod classic replaced, although as they didn't have the same model in stock, he could pay a small sum and get one with a larger capacity hard drive instead. on the other side, my friend's partner had trouble with Apple Japan getting a faulty iPod replaced, and of course on the net you read all sorts of horror stories. They're not perfect, but to say they have a poor record is, i dare say, unfair. do you have any evidence to back that up, because sales would point the other direction.
I am pleased that you have had good experience with your hardware repairs/replacement. I have not been so fortunate. Roughly two years ago, I gave an iPhone back to Apple because it malfunctioned in almost every function. I had taken it in to the Genius Bar twice for a complete diagnostic. It simply was no good and so I bailed on it. With an earlier PowerMac, there were defective hard drive controllers, Firewire modules and out-of-spec (from the factory) RAM, that were common to the entire model. Not only was Apple of no assistance whatsoever, but they stonewalled everyone, leaving us to sort out what was wrong and figure out solutions.
I certainly hope that your favorable experience is more common than not today. Really, I do. I believe that the company stores with better trained personnel are probably a (positive) factor. There used to be an axiom with Apple products, "Never buy a Rev A". I am still inclined to never buy a first production run.
As far as sales go, bad customer experience does not always translate to declining sales...take Dell Computers, for example. Please take them! Dell has the most loathsome excuse for customer support imaginable. I once commented to someone that Dell's (outsourced) customer support personnel were functionally illiterate in English. He responded that, in his experience, I was being far too kind in my evaluation. Nevertheless, Dell sells a bunch of product.
You may take note that I am still using Apple products notwithstanding the fact that not all my experiences with Apple have been favorable. I suppose that says something or other. Those experiences make me leery of being in too big of a rush to buy the first run of any new Apple product.
As things relate to the iPhone 4, I am of the opinion that the reason(s) for such a difference in unit to unit performance have yet to be fully determined. I have personally held at least half a dozen different iPhone 4 units in all the "wrong" ways to test them. Some of them have an almost immediate plunge in displayed signal strength and some of them (at the same location with only a few seconds difference in time) would show no displayed signal loss at all. The ones which lost displayed signal strength would usually go from 5 bars to 3, then 2 and then none at all. I think there is something very odd going on in addition to the matters which have been reported. Additionally, I have spoken with a number of other people who have been using the iPhone 4 and a surprisingly large number of my admittedly small sample have experienced little trouble with dropped calls even without a case or bumper.
In a few minutes we should see what approach Apple has chosen to take. Let's hope they get out in front of it and commit to determining what problem(s) there may be and work to resolve them.
Proclaiming oneself as an enlightened critic with the available contributions you have made demonstrating otherwise is easily as much a sin as his. The least likely category is also going to be those whose stock in trade is generating as much churn (and page hits) and controversy as possible, and of course those for whom any issue which qualifies Apple's alleged dominance in this category is a good thing.
And actually for the record, while you disclaim that you are NOT an Apple hater (which claim I can easily believe), you insist on a stance which questions motivations and expertise on the part of Apple basing your opinion largely on rumor, innuendo and speculation - again based on the opinions you freely express in your postings. You in fact have no idea how widespread this issue is (no one is since no publically known reliable statistics exist)- relying on the ubiqutious "MANY" qualifier, and so on. Based on the soft foundation of these claims you layer on Anand's observations, and then you ignore when others apparently qualifed engineers challenge those findings independent of any commentary in these threads.
To claim you are an unbiased critic or observer under the demonstrated bias from so many of your postings is hardly grounds for being anything critical of anyone else who might decide to champion Apple in this case, jragosta or otherwise. You sir are damned by your own words if you will.
If on the other hand you had demonstrated a truly unbaised and objective stance you would well have a basis to call out any champion or detractor for excesses of enthusiasm or defensiveness. But you didn't, and since you give no quarter in your personal criticism of others you should not be offended when none is granted you.
A rather er... copious critique if I may say so.
I never proclaimed myself as an "enlightened critic". And my contributions, while not being to your taste apparently, have been hopefully coherent and more interesting than a lot of what is contributed here at AI. If I fail, then it's not for want of trying.
I freely admit to not having an insider's knowledge of what goes on within Apple, so my observations, opinions and hopes are based on the reports, hopes, rumors and fantasies of the blogosphere and the mainstream media. I feel I'm entitled to be a little sceptical of the corporate stance of the companies that produce the gadgets that interest me.
I appreciate that you find it in your heart to accept that I am not, as jragosta categorises me, an Apple hater.
There are many here who champion Apple, including (perhaps unbelievably considering the context of much of my posting here) myself. Few of those are the extreme, mindless attackers of those who question Apple, as personified by jragosta. If you admire his behaviour, then it's something we'll be forever disagreeing on. Unfortunately.
Note that I have attempted to avoid insults and for the most part have been successful in that, but there have been exceptions, and they are those occasions when I have been insulted first. Simply stated, if you treat me decently, then I will respond in kind.
As far as bias, I'd say that's in the eye of the beholder. Make you own mind up.
hey
Does anybody really care what the NYT thinks or
a some Democratic Senator?
No really guys and gals, I'd like to know if Americans give a rat's ass (have the same distrust as Aussies)
about The Media and Politicians?
Though my confidence in popular media outlets is also extremely low this is the wrong place. Lots of political forums you can discuss this kind of stuff, lets keep it tech here.
Since the antenna is exposed, touching it with your hand causes attenuation. Well then, use it to your advantage - you now have a chance to improve reception by adding an external antenna like this dude…
I think the issue actually lies in bridging the Cell and Wifi/Bluetooth antennae. Remember that the frame is in 3 parts, 2 of which are antennae.
You have a good point though, if I touch the rabbit ears for our TV the signal strength like doubles. Apple could use this to their advantage.
Did that issue effect all E71's or only a small number as is the case with the iPhone 4? Remember that the iPhone's "shitty antenna" has been reviewed as best-in-class by several reputable tech sites, iirc, and there are at least a million and a half satisfied customers out there still.
The iPhone 4 antenna is only best in class when it's not being held "wrong"--the reviewers have made that clear, but fanboys/shareholders have a hard time reading that text.
Perhaps more people are dissatisfied with the iPhone 4 antenna than all E71s sold.
All of the remaining iPhone 4 customers may have the antenna problem but just don't know it yet, or they will always keep the phone in an extra-cost case and will never know.