Of course not. But same holding habits I had for 12 years of cell-phose use work fine with 3GS and do not work for 4.
You should cool down and think! On the other hand, I admire you for having such blind "faith" something you did not personally design and develop! You must be a great team player for whatever you work for! (No sarcasm intended)
Yet, I stated that there was no phone that gave perfect reception under all conditions - and you responded that your iPhone 3GS did. So which is it? You're taking two entirely inconsistent positions.
As for the rest, I don't blindly support anyone. If you'll notice my responses, I almost always shoot down people making stupid assumptions, crazy logic, or mindless attacks. What does that have to do with blind faith? I simply dislike idiots - especially those who insist on proving that they're idiots on a public forum.
Apple rarely gives the final device to anyone outside. It has too much importance in terms of overall PR buzz they create before the launch. According to a QA engineer I know, even most of the QA folks got a well disguised device that did not have an exposed antenna so they never saw any issue.
I think that could be plausible. After all Steve wants total secrecy on unreleased products that it's a good bet that most or all of the testing in the field was done by using the fake 3gs cover. Of course that would be a huge embarrassment if it ever came to light, so i'm thinking Steve will pull a Sheila Broflovski and blame Canada (AT&T).
yeah, no one ever discusses problem on tech forums. No company ever fixes problems, they simply expect everything to come back as a return.
No, in the real world, people discuss. People complain. People wait and see what the company says about the problem.
Well said.
[sarcasm]Some people see Jesus (or equivalent, for their religion) in iPhone 4 (and Apple), it's unthinkable to question it. Anyone that has a problem is an atheist.[/sarcasm]
Yet, I stated that there was no phone that gave perfect reception under all conditions - and you responded that your iPhone 3GS did. So which is it? You're taking two entirely inconsistent positions.
As for the rest, I don't blindly support anyone. If you'll notice my responses, I almost always shoot down people making stupid assumptions, crazy logic, or mindless attacks. What does that have to do with blind faith? I simply dislike idiots - especially those who insist on proving that they're idiots on a public forum.
Like I said, your faith is unshakable and your attacks are admirable! Kudos!
IIt's hard to think of another product (I mean smartphones, not brands) that people have become this glued to and that could result in this much attention. Especially given that it's not affecting everyone, it doesn't appear to be a catastrophic condition, it's not dangerous....
I can't think of anything else that would garner this kind of attention. It shows how attached people have become to their phones. It wouldn't have gotten this much attention if it weren't Apple of course...
Yep. And there was a time when the attention was on Microsoft.
It's Apple's turn now and it goes with the territory. Soon Apple will learn to handle being the big dog but until then, SJ's missteps in the PR arena will attract this fuss.
Accept it, sigh deeply, roll your eyes and try to relax.
LOL. So true !! I bet "jragosta" will be one of the first in line to get an exchange
If Apple puts out a hardware fix, I'll guarantee it.
Anyone here been around Apple long enough to have been on comp.sys.mac.advocacy on usenet in the 90s? Back in the day, there were some well known Mac advocates that were really helpful to growing the Mac cause that posted there. But, then there was a guy named Joe Ragosta. Even amongst the die hard Mac fans, he was considered an extremist with no ability to listen to reason. It was sort of embarrassing to be in a heated debate with some anti-mac posters if he decided to chime in. It was like, STFU man, you are embarrassing the rest of us Mac fans and yourself.
Anyway, I was thinking jragosta's name was familiar and his posting style. And then I thought of Joe. It's been 10 or 5 years since I remember Joe Ragosta suddenly disappearing from any online discussions-he sort of fell of the face of the earth. Maybe there is no relation. Maybe his nick is just a tribute to a old hero. Maybe it is just a coincidence. Maybe he is back.
"Wow. I'm speechless at Wu's explanation and understanding of RF engineering.
I don't dabble in nuclear engineering, so why is he dabbling in RF engineering when it is painfully obvious that he doesn't have a clue?"
And, in your expert opinion, what exactly did Shaw Woo report that is incorrect? Seems to me he was reporting what persons familiar with the situation stated. He made no claim to an expertise in RF engineering.
Analysts should stick to analyzing stock valuation, financials, and supply chain issues. Engineering should be deferred to engineering subject matter experts, who are then quoted or attributed.
Wu: "While all metals conduct electricity and radio waves to a degree, there are different grades of conductivity,"
Science: Aluminum and air have the same RF permeability, unlike steel or other ferrous materials which have a substantially higher permeability and can be used for everything from antennae to RF shielding. Wu's assessment, while philosophically accurate, is technically misleading.
Wu: "On the software side, Apple is also allegedly working on better antenna algorithms... Sources indicated to Wu that Apple is "furiously working" to improve them and account for different human body shapes and water levels. Those sources also said that the math is "complex but not insurmountable," and "may take some time to write."
Science: The math is complex but not insurmountable? RF engineering is one of the oldest and most well-established branches of electrical engineering. The math is exceptionally well understood, well documented, and is not *THAT* difficult. I studied RF engineering as an undergrad, and this is not as big a deal as Wu is insinuating.
Wu: "We don't claim to be material science or antenna engineering experts, but from our conversations with sources familiar with the situation, these fixes will make iPhone 4 less prone to interference, and hopefully put an end to the bad rap AAPL has been taking,"
Science: The solution is simple: prevent conductive materials (such as skin or conductive metals) from touching and detuning the antenna. Any time a conductive object touches the antenna, it detunes the antenna by changing the antenna's impedance and resonant frequency, resulting in the amplifier having to work harder to send, or the receiver having to overcome a higher SNR. Wonder why the bumper, scotch tape, or non-aluminized duct tape work so well?
I stand by my point. Wu should be focused on analyzing the financials and supply chain issues, and should defer technical dissertations to engineering experts for explanation.
If Apple does implement some sort of recall (voluntary or otherwise), free bumpers, or an exchange for a hardware corrected model, how many people here that have claimed they never have a problem end up taking advantage of the offers.
"I don't believe there is a problem, I haven't seen a problem and everyone that does is just a whiner! But, I will exchange, just in case"
I got my iP4 a day early (june 23).
I have not experienced any problems.
I would consider a replacement if it included a hardware change, because:
1) I might decide to resell my device and, given all the flack, the replacement would bring a better price.
2) of 3 original iPhones I bought in 2007, 3 are still in use- 1 for development and 2 as SIMless iPods for my grandchildren. With all the focus on the device, it is probable that a re-engineered 1.1 iP4 will have a longer useful life than the 1.0 version-- and therefore a better push down device for my family.
For me. it would be more of a convenience decision rather than a necessary one-- is it worth the effort to exchange it?
It is clueless. He said that according to his sooper seekret sources, Apple is exploring software fixes for the issue.
Well DUH! Apple has already told us that the problem is in the software, and that they are fixing it. Why does he need "sources" to know that? Has he been living under a rock? Or in an ivory tower?
Hey Shaw: Use me as a sooper seekret source! I'll feed you stuff like this:
"Users observing a drop of several bars when they grip their iPhone in a certain way are most likely in an area with very weak signal strength, but they don?t know it because we are erroneously displaying 4 or 5 bars. Their big drop in bars is because their high bars were never real in the first place."
A lot of people upgraded from their 3GS and promptly sold their old phone on eBay. Now if they want to return their i4, they will also need to repurchase a 3GS with a new no unlimited data contract. So they really aren't back to square one. Hopefully whatever they made on eBay will cover the expense.
I don't know if this is correct or not. If people are allowed to return their upgraded phone, won't they be allowed to purchase the iPhone 3GS as if it were an upgrade as well? That would mean, more than likely, they can keep their original contract terms.
Also, this isn't Apple's problem. We're not authorized Apple retailers, for one thing. They don't need to be concerned with how people dispose of their phones, unless they'd like to help start a recycling program. You can't sell your old car and expect your dealership to compensate you extra if your new car gets recalled.
If Apple does implement some sort of recall (voluntary or otherwise), free bumpers, or an exchange for a hardware corrected model, how many people here that have claimed they never have a problem end up taking advantage of the offers.
"I don't believe there is a problem, I haven't seen a problem and everyone that does is just a whiner! But, I will exchange, just in case"
Why would i want to exchange a perfectly good piece of hardware that's less than five weeks old? I'm thrilled with my iPhone, as is everyone I know.
Those of us (the majority) who have no issue with their iPhone aren't saying there isn't an issue, we're just making the point that it's not some design flaw and every single unit isn't affected, as the media and various pundits and analysts are stating.
Sure they have. They've told them it is normal and they should change their grip. They've told them they are whining. They've implied or stated that the CR test reports are the result of pressure from RIM, Google, MS. They've told them to STFU and just return it. They've said "I haven't seen the problem, my friends haven't seen the problem, the problem doesn't exist".
Mostly, whether they acknowledge the issue or not or try to reduce the severity, they simply say "STFU and stop whining".
It will be interesting to see what the posters making statements do after the event today.
i'm sorry, but i don't think anyone at all has said that the problem doesn't exist. at the very beginning of the saga, perhaps, but certainly not in recent weeks. but don't let that stop you hanging onto that for grim death.
you know what - i shouldn't have spoken in absolutes. there have indeed been some people - a small minority - doing what you claim. yet these people are most likely reacting to the people complaining about a device they don't even own, and people speaking in absolute terms about a problem for which they have absolutely no empirical, scientific data to rely upon.
the "regulars" here, however, have been much more level-headed - these people have said that they don't have the problem, or that they have the problem and are waiting to see what apple does, or are using a case to compensate; they've said they sympathise with those who have the problem; they've indeed suggested people return it instead of venting on the internet. that's what i've read.
Apple will unveil iPhone 4G R - R stands for reception. If you want to upgrade ATT will slash the price by 50% if you are coming up to 1.5 years on your contract.
Oh and one more thing! Reception is also available for iPhone 4. For just $30 you can unlock the reception feature on your existing iPhone4 with a special reception case and a 300 meg software update. All this is available today!
The problem isn't that the iPhone is the only one that does this, it's that it does it to a much greater degree than any other phone tested. And that it is specifically caused by the external antennas and the fact that it is possible to short them with your hand.
Quote:
Originally Posted by paxman
A voluntary re-call? Sounds like a silly way of saying 30 day money back guarantee.
The difference between a recall and return policy is that in the case of the former, the hardware actually changes so the user is swapping for a different model instead of just returning it (and presumably buying something else instead).
Quote:
Originally Posted by NCMacUser
So forgive me, but I haven't seen anyone ask this question, if the reception problem is so bad (we haven't seen it on either my wife's or my iphone4) how did all the carriers miss it in their testing?? I have a hard time believing Apple was able to hide this "feature" for all their partner carriers??
"Those test phones are specifically designed so the phone can't be touched, which made it hard to catch the iPhone 4's antenna problem," the Journal said. The paper added, citing people familiar with the matter, that Apple afforded carriers "limited time to test the iPhone 4 before its June 24 launch" and equipped them with "fewer devices to test than other handset makers."
Analysts should stick to analyzing stock valuation, financials, and supply chain issues. Engineering should be deferred to engineering subject matter experts, who are then quoted or attributed.
Wu: "While all metals conduct electricity and radio waves to a degree, there are different grades of conductivity,"
Science: Aluminum and air have the same RF permeability, unlike steel or other ferrous materials which have a substantially higher permeability and can be used for everything from antennae to RF shielding. Wu's assessment, while philosophically accurate, is technically misleading.
Wu: "On the software side, Apple is also allegedly working on better antenna algorithms... Sources indicated to Wu that Apple is "furiously working" to improve them and account for different human body shapes and water levels. Those sources also said that the math is "complex but not insurmountable," and "may take some time to write."
Science: The math is complex but not insurmountable? RF engineering is one of the oldest and most well-established branches of electrical engineering. The math is exceptionally well understood, well documented, and is not *THAT* difficult. I studied RF engineering as an undergrad, and this is not as big a deal as Wu is insinuating.
Wu: "We don't claim to be material science or antenna engineering experts, but from our conversations with sources familiar with the situation, these fixes will make iPhone 4 less prone to interference, and hopefully put an end to the bad rap AAPL has been taking,"
Science: The solution is simple: prevent conductive materials (such as skin or conductive metals) from touching and detuning the antenna. Any time a conductive object touches the antenna, it detunes the antenna by changing the antenna's impedance and resonant frequency, resulting in the amplifier having to work harder to send, or the receiver having to overcome a higher SNR. Wonder why the bumper, scotch tape, or non-aluminized duct tape work so well?
I stand by my point. Wu should be focused on analyzing the financials and supply chain issues, and should defer technical dissertations to engineering experts for explanation.
I think the whole world is getting tired of analysts. They remind me of a certain family member that every family has that is so FOS and blathers on about his/her opinion about everything. It's funny that no-one, not even their bosses ever say to them "Can't you be right at least once?" They're worse than weathermen. Then I remembered what they are there for, to push their recommended stocks and to keep their customers always trading when they can.
In fact, there is such a phone. It is called 3GS. I own both, BTW. I not only own them personally, but I also own them for the lab where we test our UMTS infrastructure product.
The 3GS does not have "all the features" of the iPhone 4; for example it lacks the gyroscope.
Comments
Your evidence of that?
Oh, wait. it's you. You're just making things up as usual.
Uhh, I said according to some reports. Do you have evidence that proves otherwise ?
Of course not. But same holding habits I had for 12 years of cell-phose use work fine with 3GS and do not work for 4.
You should cool down and think! On the other hand, I admire you for having such blind "faith" something you did not personally design and develop! You must be a great team player for whatever you work for! (No sarcasm intended)
Yet, I stated that there was no phone that gave perfect reception under all conditions - and you responded that your iPhone 3GS did. So which is it? You're taking two entirely inconsistent positions.
As for the rest, I don't blindly support anyone. If you'll notice my responses, I almost always shoot down people making stupid assumptions, crazy logic, or mindless attacks. What does that have to do with blind faith? I simply dislike idiots - especially those who insist on proving that they're idiots on a public forum.
I hope this is an honest question!
Apple rarely gives the final device to anyone outside. It has too much importance in terms of overall PR buzz they create before the launch. According to a QA engineer I know, even most of the QA folks got a well disguised device that did not have an exposed antenna so they never saw any issue.
I think that could be plausible. After all Steve wants total secrecy on unreleased products that it's a good bet that most or all of the testing in the field was done by using the fake 3gs cover. Of course that would be a huge embarrassment if it ever came to light, so i'm thinking Steve will pull a Sheila Broflovski and blame Canada (AT&T).
yeah, no one ever discusses problem on tech forums. No company ever fixes problems, they simply expect everything to come back as a return.
No, in the real world, people discuss. People complain. People wait and see what the company says about the problem.
Well said.
[sarcasm]Some people see Jesus (or equivalent, for their religion) in iPhone 4 (and Apple), it's unthinkable to question it. Anyone that has a problem is an atheist.[/sarcasm]
Yet, I stated that there was no phone that gave perfect reception under all conditions - and you responded that your iPhone 3GS did. So which is it? You're taking two entirely inconsistent positions.
As for the rest, I don't blindly support anyone. If you'll notice my responses, I almost always shoot down people making stupid assumptions, crazy logic, or mindless attacks. What does that have to do with blind faith? I simply dislike idiots - especially those who insist on proving that they're idiots on a public forum.
Like I said, your faith is unshakable and your attacks are admirable! Kudos!
some prominent Wall Street analysts believe Apple could ... refund dissatisfied owners the full purchase price.
Apple has ALREADY said that they will give full refunds. Over and over again.
It is pretty easy to see why "some prominent Wall Street Analysts" think that it might be a possibility.
These Analysts are a riot!
I wonder if he spells it out. I would think so if they wrote it that way; otherwise, it's simply pronounced Apple.
IIt's hard to think of another product (I mean smartphones, not brands) that people have become this glued to and that could result in this much attention. Especially given that it's not affecting everyone, it doesn't appear to be a catastrophic condition, it's not dangerous....
I can't think of anything else that would garner this kind of attention. It shows how attached people have become to their phones. It wouldn't have gotten this much attention if it weren't Apple of course...
Yep. And there was a time when the attention was on Microsoft.
It's Apple's turn now and it goes with the territory. Soon Apple will learn to handle being the big dog but until then, SJ's missteps in the PR arena will attract this fuss.
Accept it, sigh deeply, roll your eyes and try to relax.
LOL. So true !! I bet "jragosta" will be one of the first in line to get an exchange
If Apple puts out a hardware fix, I'll guarantee it.
Anyone here been around Apple long enough to have been on comp.sys.mac.advocacy on usenet in the 90s? Back in the day, there were some well known Mac advocates that were really helpful to growing the Mac cause that posted there. But, then there was a guy named Joe Ragosta. Even amongst the die hard Mac fans, he was considered an extremist with no ability to listen to reason. It was sort of embarrassing to be in a heated debate with some anti-mac posters if he decided to chime in. It was like, STFU man, you are embarrassing the rest of us Mac fans and yourself.
Anyway, I was thinking jragosta's name was familiar and his posting style. And then I thought of Joe. It's been 10 or 5 years since I remember Joe Ragosta suddenly disappearing from any online discussions-he sort of fell of the face of the earth. Maybe there is no relation. Maybe his nick is just a tribute to a old hero. Maybe it is just a coincidence. Maybe he is back.
"Wow. I'm speechless at Wu's explanation and understanding of RF engineering.
I don't dabble in nuclear engineering, so why is he dabbling in RF engineering when it is painfully obvious that he doesn't have a clue?"
And, in your expert opinion, what exactly did Shaw Woo report that is incorrect? Seems to me he was reporting what persons familiar with the situation stated. He made no claim to an expertise in RF engineering.
Analysts should stick to analyzing stock valuation, financials, and supply chain issues. Engineering should be deferred to engineering subject matter experts, who are then quoted or attributed.
Wu: "While all metals conduct electricity and radio waves to a degree, there are different grades of conductivity,"
Science: Aluminum and air have the same RF permeability, unlike steel or other ferrous materials which have a substantially higher permeability and can be used for everything from antennae to RF shielding. Wu's assessment, while philosophically accurate, is technically misleading.
Wu: "On the software side, Apple is also allegedly working on better antenna algorithms... Sources indicated to Wu that Apple is "furiously working" to improve them and account for different human body shapes and water levels. Those sources also said that the math is "complex but not insurmountable," and "may take some time to write."
Science: The math is complex but not insurmountable? RF engineering is one of the oldest and most well-established branches of electrical engineering. The math is exceptionally well understood, well documented, and is not *THAT* difficult. I studied RF engineering as an undergrad, and this is not as big a deal as Wu is insinuating.
Wu: "We don't claim to be material science or antenna engineering experts, but from our conversations with sources familiar with the situation, these fixes will make iPhone 4 less prone to interference, and hopefully put an end to the bad rap AAPL has been taking,"
Science: The solution is simple: prevent conductive materials (such as skin or conductive metals) from touching and detuning the antenna. Any time a conductive object touches the antenna, it detunes the antenna by changing the antenna's impedance and resonant frequency, resulting in the amplifier having to work harder to send, or the receiver having to overcome a higher SNR. Wonder why the bumper, scotch tape, or non-aluminized duct tape work so well?
I stand by my point. Wu should be focused on analyzing the financials and supply chain issues, and should defer technical dissertations to engineering experts for explanation.
If Apple does implement some sort of recall (voluntary or otherwise), free bumpers, or an exchange for a hardware corrected model, how many people here that have claimed they never have a problem end up taking advantage of the offers.
"I don't believe there is a problem, I haven't seen a problem and everyone that does is just a whiner! But, I will exchange, just in case"
I got my iP4 a day early (june 23).
I have not experienced any problems.
I would consider a replacement if it included a hardware change, because:
1) I might decide to resell my device and, given all the flack, the replacement would bring a better price.
2) of 3 original iPhones I bought in 2007, 3 are still in use- 1 for development and 2 as SIMless iPods for my grandchildren. With all the focus on the device, it is probable that a re-engineered 1.1 iP4 will have a longer useful life than the 1.0 version-- and therefore a better push down device for my family.
For me. it would be more of a convenience decision rather than a necessary one-- is it worth the effort to exchange it?
.
Wow. I'm speechless at Wu's explanation
It is clueless. He said that according to his sooper seekret sources, Apple is exploring software fixes for the issue.
Well DUH! Apple has already told us that the problem is in the software, and that they are fixing it. Why does he need "sources" to know that? Has he been living under a rock? Or in an ivory tower?
Hey Shaw: Use me as a sooper seekret source! I'll feed you stuff like this:
"Users observing a drop of several bars when they grip their iPhone in a certain way are most likely in an area with very weak signal strength, but they don?t know it because we are erroneously displaying 4 or 5 bars. Their big drop in bars is because their high bars were never real in the first place."
A lot of people upgraded from their 3GS and promptly sold their old phone on eBay. Now if they want to return their i4, they will also need to repurchase a 3GS with a new no unlimited data contract. So they really aren't back to square one. Hopefully whatever they made on eBay will cover the expense.
I don't know if this is correct or not. If people are allowed to return their upgraded phone, won't they be allowed to purchase the iPhone 3GS as if it were an upgrade as well? That would mean, more than likely, they can keep their original contract terms.
Also, this isn't Apple's problem. We're not authorized Apple retailers, for one thing. They don't need to be concerned with how people dispose of their phones, unless they'd like to help start a recycling program. You can't sell your old car and expect your dealership to compensate you extra if your new car gets recalled.
If Apple does implement some sort of recall (voluntary or otherwise), free bumpers, or an exchange for a hardware corrected model, how many people here that have claimed they never have a problem end up taking advantage of the offers.
"I don't believe there is a problem, I haven't seen a problem and everyone that does is just a whiner! But, I will exchange, just in case"
Why would i want to exchange a perfectly good piece of hardware that's less than five weeks old? I'm thrilled with my iPhone, as is everyone I know.
Those of us (the majority) who have no issue with their iPhone aren't saying there isn't an issue, we're just making the point that it's not some design flaw and every single unit isn't affected, as the media and various pundits and analysts are stating.
Sure they have. They've told them it is normal and they should change their grip. They've told them they are whining. They've implied or stated that the CR test reports are the result of pressure from RIM, Google, MS. They've told them to STFU and just return it. They've said "I haven't seen the problem, my friends haven't seen the problem, the problem doesn't exist".
Mostly, whether they acknowledge the issue or not or try to reduce the severity, they simply say "STFU and stop whining".
It will be interesting to see what the posters making statements do after the event today.
i'm sorry, but i don't think anyone at all has said that the problem doesn't exist. at the very beginning of the saga, perhaps, but certainly not in recent weeks. but don't let that stop you hanging onto that for grim death.
you know what - i shouldn't have spoken in absolutes. there have indeed been some people - a small minority - doing what you claim. yet these people are most likely reacting to the people complaining about a device they don't even own, and people speaking in absolute terms about a problem for which they have absolutely no empirical, scientific data to rely upon.
the "regulars" here, however, have been much more level-headed - these people have said that they don't have the problem, or that they have the problem and are waiting to see what apple does, or are using a case to compensate; they've said they sympathise with those who have the problem; they've indeed suggested people return it instead of venting on the internet. that's what i've read.
Apple will unveil iPhone 4G R - R stands for reception. If you want to upgrade ATT will slash the price by 50% if you are coming up to 1.5 years on your contract.
Oh and one more thing! Reception is also available for iPhone 4. For just $30 you can unlock the reception feature on your existing iPhone4 with a special reception case and a 300 meg software update. All this is available today!
The Nexus one got the same problem:
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xe0...grip-demo_tech
To the same degree? 24db of signal reduction?
The problem isn't that the iPhone is the only one that does this, it's that it does it to a much greater degree than any other phone tested. And that it is specifically caused by the external antennas and the fact that it is possible to short them with your hand.
A voluntary re-call? Sounds like a silly way of saying 30 day money back guarantee.
The difference between a recall and return policy is that in the case of the former, the hardware actually changes so the user is swapping for a different model instead of just returning it (and presumably buying something else instead).
So forgive me, but I haven't seen anyone ask this question, if the reception problem is so bad (we haven't seen it on either my wife's or my iphone4) how did all the carriers miss it in their testing?? I have a hard time believing Apple was able to hide this "feature" for all their partner carriers??
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles...ll_report.html
"Those test phones are specifically designed so the phone can't be touched, which made it hard to catch the iPhone 4's antenna problem," the Journal said. The paper added, citing people familiar with the matter, that Apple afforded carriers "limited time to test the iPhone 4 before its June 24 launch" and equipped them with "fewer devices to test than other handset makers."
Analysts should stick to analyzing stock valuation, financials, and supply chain issues. Engineering should be deferred to engineering subject matter experts, who are then quoted or attributed.
Wu: "While all metals conduct electricity and radio waves to a degree, there are different grades of conductivity,"
Science: Aluminum and air have the same RF permeability, unlike steel or other ferrous materials which have a substantially higher permeability and can be used for everything from antennae to RF shielding. Wu's assessment, while philosophically accurate, is technically misleading.
Wu: "On the software side, Apple is also allegedly working on better antenna algorithms... Sources indicated to Wu that Apple is "furiously working" to improve them and account for different human body shapes and water levels. Those sources also said that the math is "complex but not insurmountable," and "may take some time to write."
Science: The math is complex but not insurmountable? RF engineering is one of the oldest and most well-established branches of electrical engineering. The math is exceptionally well understood, well documented, and is not *THAT* difficult. I studied RF engineering as an undergrad, and this is not as big a deal as Wu is insinuating.
Wu: "We don't claim to be material science or antenna engineering experts, but from our conversations with sources familiar with the situation, these fixes will make iPhone 4 less prone to interference, and hopefully put an end to the bad rap AAPL has been taking,"
Science: The solution is simple: prevent conductive materials (such as skin or conductive metals) from touching and detuning the antenna. Any time a conductive object touches the antenna, it detunes the antenna by changing the antenna's impedance and resonant frequency, resulting in the amplifier having to work harder to send, or the receiver having to overcome a higher SNR. Wonder why the bumper, scotch tape, or non-aluminized duct tape work so well?
I stand by my point. Wu should be focused on analyzing the financials and supply chain issues, and should defer technical dissertations to engineering experts for explanation.
I think the whole world is getting tired of analysts. They remind me of a certain family member that every family has that is so FOS and blathers on about his/her opinion about everything. It's funny that no-one, not even their bosses ever say to them "Can't you be right at least once?" They're worse than weathermen. Then I remembered what they are there for, to push their recommended stocks and to keep their customers always trading when they can.
If you don't like the phone, return it.
In fact, there is such a phone. It is called 3GS. I own both, BTW. I not only own them personally, but I also own them for the lab where we test our UMTS infrastructure product.
The 3GS does not have "all the features" of the iPhone 4; for example it lacks the gyroscope.