You’re right, it was a PR disaster.
Human factors testing can only go so far in the lab, and given the issue they had with someone losing a pre-production model in a bar; can only go so far out in the world.
The iphone isn’t the first mobile device to have antenna issues, and it probably won’t be the last. I used to have an antenna issue with the Motorola RAZR I had before my 3GS. The way I would sometimes like to hold it, would cause the same attenuation problems the iPhone 4 had.
I learned not to hold it that way.
I’ve also had reception issues with portable radios and my OTA HD reception. RF is an imperfect medium, and cell tower coverage is not uniform.
Yep. It’s a difficult lesson learning not everyone holds a phone the same way. But its a lesson every manufacturer has learned.
My choice was between the iPhone and Droid X. It came down to screensize, comfort and features for me. I went with the Dx. It has its quirks but absolutely no regrets. If a non-work tablet is in the future, I will continue to comparison shop.