I’m still waiting for the dust to settle before I get the new iPhone.
An article in today’s L.A. Times takes Steve Jobs to task for suggesting that competitor’s handsets share the same antenna issue that plagues the iPhone 4. It’s a little disappointing to hear that Jobs has chosen to handle this issue by attacking the competition; even if what he suggests is true. Since when does Apple want to set the bar that low?
The signal issue seems to be mitigated by simply putting the iPhone into a protective skin. I thought that most people get skins for their iPhones anyway. Maybe not. But this suggests that Apple should have provided a suitable skin with each iPhone from the beginning.
I felt the same way about the iPad. The naked iPad is, in many ways, a design failure. It is not comfortable to hold and is awkward on both a table or the lap. However, Apple’s iPad cover is a design success, and transforms the iPad into a comfortable, usable device. Apple should have provided the cover as part of the purchase price of the iPad.
A while back, Apple stopped providing video adapters with their laptops. I was surprised and disappointed when I learned of this. What’s next? Will the power cord soon become an optional, extra purchase?
Obviously, I’m still a huge Apple fan. But I’m concerned that Apple is beginning to engage in some of the same less-than-honorable practices of many of its competitors. I expect more from Apple and Jobs.
Perhaps Apple will learn a valuable lesson in this latest public relations failure.
There’s always the duct tape solution.
You’re right. Apple should include a roll of duct tape in every box! 😉
Patrick,
Steve Jobs didn’t “attack” other phones. He clearly said that those other phones are “fine” phones but all phones suffer the same problem that the media had overblown and pointed at Apple. Ask any iPhone user how bad the problem is and you’ll get a realistic answer.
Ask me. “No, I don’t have this issue.” I gripped my phone and nothing happens.
Other cell phones manufacturers may be offended by this fact but in their own phone documentation they go as far as illustrate how to hold the phone correctly. Get over the hype already.
According to Apple’s data, only .55 of iPhone users have reported this problem. What data do you have?
This is a non-issue since day one. Everyone has moved on…how about you?
@MEES
If Apple claims that only .55 of iPhone users have reported the problem (and you are getting your data from where?) then why does Apple also report that it will cost them $178 million to provide the iPhone covers to existing iPhone users reporting problems?
Maybe you’re just swallowing Apple PR without doing much of your own research.
Do you have an iPhone?
Most likely not, judging from your assertion.
Why are you here?
MEES,
I understand what you are saying about how the media hype can sometimes spin out of control.
However, if Apple took the time to hold a press conference, and the L.A. Times is writing articles about it, it may be premature to declare it a “non-issue.”
Anyway, my point was more about how Apple/Jobs is handling the situation, and less about whether or not the iPhone 4 has a significant engineering flaw.
I guess for some in the media truth is no defense when it comes to Steve.
Robert,
Steve Jobs, “Apple” reported the data, not me.
Patrick,
I agree that some Apple designs have flaws or limitations. I think all products have similar flaws. As Steve said, no product (phone) is perfect but we still like ’em.
Apple is not beyond review or criticism. I guess that’s what makes things better! 😉