June 25, 201016 yr After an epic twelve hour wait, I walked into the O2 store in Bristol Broadmead, first in (an epicly long) line, and got a brand spanking new iPhone 4, minutes after release. Fanboy? Probably; but I figured most of us here are into technology as well as the web, so I thought I'd share some pictures, and a video, for those interested: The queue at around 2AM: The queue at around 6AM: A quick video of the queue after I left: YouTube link << Beauty (bit out of focus though): As for first impressions, I couldn't be happier. This thing is insane. The HD video quality is incredible, the retina display is gorgeous and crisp, and I can't wait to start reading some stuff from iBooks on this thing. Also, inb4 "lulz but it failz hard cuz Apple can't do nufin right, dunt get no signal!" Read this, and this. Did anyone else here get one? Would love to hear people's impressions etc.
June 25, 201016 yr I prefer a phone where I am in control of it....mmm HTC Desire Can you now easily share the data connection with another device (eg. netbook)? You couldn't with previous iFonez
June 25, 201016 yr Loads of complaints coming in about network issues on the iPhone4 check out these posts on youtube
June 25, 201016 yr Author Loads of complaints coming in about network issues on the iPhone4 check out these posts on youtube It seems to be more iOS 4, because 3GS and 3G owners can duplicate the issue by holding their phone over the antenna. I don't seem to have a problem with my signal, probably because I don't hold it like that.
June 25, 201016 yr In this article: http://www.macrumors.com/2010/06/24/other-mobile-phones-with-similar-signal-loss-issues/ The quote: Besides a case, another simple solution that has been said to work is placing some sort of tape on the bottom portion of the iPhone 4's antenna which should prevent the antenna bridging when holding the phone. The image of an iPhone owner walking around with a piece of tape attached is somehow hilarious to me. Way to ruin the "cool" factor Kyle
June 25, 201016 yr Two iPhone 4's got married. Ceremony looked great but reception was terrible. boom boom!!
June 25, 201016 yr I dont like Apple coz ya have to go through itunes for music. I've got an N97 which is utter sh**te. I'm with Orange on a 24 month contract (half way through) cos at the time I really wanted the N97. Get no signal at home at all and I desperately want an HTC HD2. Its just not fair . I wouldn't wipe my arse with an IPhone. But at least there's an app for that!!! Enjoy ya new acquisition! Regs, Numb
June 25, 201016 yr Two iPhone 4's got married. Ceremony looked great but reception was terrible. Turns out they held it in the wrong place
June 25, 201016 yr Author LOL! That joke is epic. Although this apparent oversight is not acceptable, and Steve Jobs saying, "You need to hold it differently", is just plain ridiculous, I can see anti-Apple folk using this argument against Apple for way too long.
June 26, 201016 yr it's one huge design flaw. Didn't they notice it when testing? Jobs is seriously losing the plot, first Adobe and now telling people that they are holding their phone wrong. Is there a right way? I'm assuming he wants everyone to hold them aloft in some sort of salute lol
June 28, 201016 yr The iPhone wouldn't have so many release issues if the Chinese workers that make them stop being so selfish by killing themselves and instead focused on the quality control of the products they manufacture. [/bad taste]
June 29, 201016 yr Author The iPhone wouldn't have so many release issues if the Chinese workers that make them stop being so selfish by killing themselves and instead focused on the quality control of the products they manufacture. [/bad taste] Deep man, deep .
June 30, 201016 yr Hopefully nipping into town tomorrow to get my hands on one. Depends if I can persuade O2 or any other network to pay-off my last month; something I've previously found reasonably easy to suggest to the sales person if you choose wisely More than likely that all 100 shops will have sold out..
June 30, 201016 yr Author Hopefully nipping into town tomorrow to get my hands on one. Depends if I can persuade O2 or any other network to pay-off my last month; something I've previously found reasonably easy to suggest to the sales person if you choose wisely More than likely that all 100 shops will have sold out.. There's a live stock checker on the O2 site .
June 30, 201016 yr i had the iphone for a day today (friends) on an orange network, its awesome, didn't notice any problems, the connection was working fine, Cant wait to get my own.
July 1, 201016 yr Went in today - existing customers only and O2 were out of stock. I was tempted to move to Vodafone who allow for new customers to get the phone (better network, let's face it), though I'll need my PAC code to keep my number. It always seems horribly complicated at the end of contracts. Was told by the O2 sales girl to come back tomorrow and grab what I can ... can't say I'm holding my breath, but if they haven't got one, Vodafone will be getting a visit. I had a quick play on one today - can't say I was stunned, but it's certainly a nice bit of kit. I managed to get it to freeze on closing Safari though
July 1, 201016 yr I have had a lot of top of the range phones but nothing quite cuts it like the iPhone. Whos cares that the camera is poor compared to the 8-12Megapixels out there, lets be honest, a phone is not a camera and Apple designed the camera to be used for social network uploads! Who care the bluetooth online send files to other iphones! I can quite honestly say, I never need to send files via bluetooth to friends/families phones! Who cares about video calling (pre-iPhone4) we only use it a couple of times and never again! Who cares about the lack of full control over the iOS... multitasking, background changing, theme changing, etc etc, just Jailbreak it! Simple and Safe as Pie! Apple are allowed to have certain features on their phone dated simply because although they might be dated, they often function so well you end up not noticing any issues or differences. The sheer quality of the product in terms of technology, appearance and durability is just waaaaay out there and the Apple Customer Service is top notch especially for business needs. The iOS and every app runs so smoothly and quickly! You put the iPhone up against ANY other phone in terms of quality and performance (not on paper but actually how the iOS runs) it will destroy all top end competitors. My first iPhone was a 32GB White 3GS part as an o2 business contract. I loved it! Saw the new HTC HD with the lovely slimness and huge screen, although it runs very nicely for a windows mobile phone, the sharpness and smoothness of the OS and screen quality cannot match the iPhone. I need apps opening immediatley! I am no apple mad fan! I used to be anti-apple thinking why spend so much when there are products cheaper such as mobiles, mp3 players and computers. Well now after going into the media industry the last couple of years and needing to rely on high quality and powerful equipment and great customer service, Apple is a win! You pay for quality! OMG what am I saying!? I am an APPLE FAN! What am I turning into! I have always been a PC man but the last couple of years relied on macs for Final Cut Pro and such. Now after going to use a PC it just does not feel nice! Mwhahahahaha! ANYWAYSSSS ... I get the option to upgrade to the iPhone4 which looks lovely! Still tempted to unlock and sell for the going £7-800 on FleaBay! @Frost Tear Is the iPhone 4 really worth it compared the 3GS or shall I flog it and make some mullar, then wait for the next one in 12 months?
July 1, 201016 yr Just thought I'd add this .. I've just tried smothering my iPhone 3GS with my hands and full 3G signal went to 1 bar almost instantly. The 'bug'/issue is not iPhone 4 specific, and I have never had any signal problems with my iPhone - after all, who holds a phone like that
July 1, 201016 yr I recently upgraded from an old N95 8gb to the HTC Desire which is an amazing smartphone. One thing does bug me though, I didnt try out the Iphone 3gs, now I cant bring myself to go and try one in the local O2 just incase its better than the Desire.
July 2, 201016 yr No offence to all you Apple fanboys/girls out there, but I'd rather have a phone that functions over one that looks pretty and does "cool" things. I use my phone for both business and personal use, so the last thing I need is something that won't consistently give me a full signal in a good signal area (whatever way I want to hold my phone - not how Apple dictates I should hold my phone) or pay for a phone that costs a year's wages in a third world country! I pay £30/month for my tariff with O2 and got my phone free, I refuse to pay nearly £200 for a phone that will be obsolete within a year (like most phones are anyway, let's face it) to keep my same tariff. Just my two cents.
July 2, 201016 yr I'd rather have a phone that functions over one that looks pretty and does "cool" things. I use my phone for both business and personal use, so the last thing I need is something that won't consistently give me a full signal in a good signal area I assume then, that you use this phone purely for calling, texting and emails? The rest is just extra functionality that we now pay for as consumers. A phone with a full-blown Internet browser is still coming of age with Nokias etc.. Just like websites (to put this on-topic); would you want a very quick XHTML template which you can manually edit and upload each time (Nokias, Samsungs, Sony Ericssons), or would you want a full-blown CMS & e-commerce implementation (Blackberry, iPhone). If you'd like the latter, you'll need to fork out some dough. As I said, I've tried smothering my iPhone 3GS and the same signal issue occurred, yet in real-life, I've never experienced signal issues. People will bite hard on any minor/silly 'issues' on such functional and long-awaited products - but really? Clasping your phone like that? Face it, it doesn't happen. I would agree that charging for the phone on top of the contract (at £200+) is a bit over-the-top; but they are now, more than essentially, micro laptops - something you'd pay a hell of a price for if it were a one-off payment. If you don't need a pretty little laptop, nobody's got a gun to your head, and Nokia/Sony are still banging out the same old cheap dross for us
July 2, 201016 yr I can browse the Internet fairly well on my phone (and have done so when I've been extremely bored waiting for something/someone and not near a computer etc.) using either the built-in browser or Opera browser that I've installed on it. But then, I wouldn't particularly want to use the Internet on my phone ordinarily - I have laptops and desktops for that purpose, I also have a netbook for when I'm travelling and need to keep up-to-date on my emails or need to use the Internet generally. A mobile phone will never be someone's #1 choice for web browsing with such a small screen, and I think if I had an iPhone I would still have the same opinion. Re. the phone holding - some people might hold their phones like that if they are on handsfree (I've seen people do it!). Regardless of how people hold their phones, you can't deny that there is clearly a fundamental problem with the iPhone if simply wrapping your hands around it causes it to lose signal strength? As a test I tried this on my Nokia and it still had full signal so it can't be said that this is a problem that all types of mobile phone have. I'm not saying that the iPhone is a piece of crap and Nokias rule BTW - I've had loads of phones from several manufacturers including Nokia that have been as useful as a chocolate teapot. I do think there is a gap in the market for 'better' phones though - is there not any phones that have the same or better features than the iPhone? If not, why not? Why must people buy an iPhone because it's the only 'cool' phone worth having? Sorry - I'm ranting and asking too many questions again - LOL!
July 2, 201016 yr I have to agree with sam. I'd love an iPhone but for the price of a laptop that's just ridiculous. I mean they are £500 sim-free!! I had a three network LG around 4 years ago that had a 'flash' and video calling. So why so much hype over a phone that is good, but stupidly over-priced. If it was cheaper I would buy one, not saying it isn't a good phone. Just too expensive for what it is.
July 2, 201016 yr Author I have to agree with sam. I'd love an iPhone but for the price of a laptop that's just ridiculous. I mean they are £500 sim-free!! I had a three network LG around 4 years ago that had a 'flash' and video calling. So why so much hype over a phone that is good, but stupidly over-priced. If it was cheaper I would buy one, not saying it isn't a good phone. Just too expensive for what it is. I'd never get one sim free. I bought mine on contract, which brought the handset price down to £29, and I'm paying £45 a month for 1200 minutes, unlimited texts and 750mb of data. Not too bad.
July 2, 201016 yr I'd never get one sim free. I bought mine on contract, which brought the handset price down to £29, and I'm paying £45 a month for 1200 minutes, unlimited texts and 750mb of data. Not too bad. Yes, but you pay the phone 3 times over thru contract. Plus I dont use that many minutes/texts a month so it wouldnt be worth it for me personally.
July 2, 201016 yr We can't say they're not expensive, but it's the best Smartphone on the market with regards to hardware and software as one unit. They're the equivalent of buying an iPad, a Nokia mobile and a Netbook all in one - of course they'll be expensive. Regardless of how people hold their phones, you can't deny that there is clearly a fundamental problem with the iPhone if simply wrapping your hands around it causes it to lose signal strength? There may be a problem, but evidently it's been present since the iPhone 3GS (from my test ... believe me or not) - why has no-one mentioned it? It's not a problem, no-one grips their phone with such rage unless their wife calls during the second half of extra time of the World Cup final. I'm not sure how specific it is to iPhones - I'm struggling to see how the design of something surrounded by human flesh dictates the wavelength of radio signals, but nevertheless, it happens. I do think there is a gap in the market for 'better' phones though - is there not any phones that have the same or better features than the iPhone? If not, why not? Why must people buy an iPhone because it's the only 'cool' phone worth having? Of course there are phones with similar functionality. Android is allowing for this with nice new phones from HTC. But these HTC phones seem to be released here there and everywhere. You buy an HTC, the next one is out 3 months down the line so you're already awaiting an upgrade on your 18 month contract. iPhones connect well with each other, friends want to connect.
July 2, 201016 yr Why would anyone want to queue through the night for a phone . Really, come on, its ridiculous. The iphone is a good phone and I'm sure the i4 is good even with the antenna design flaw and allergy to flash. But seriously, sitting on the dirty floor through the night to be one of the first is a little extreme. I actually think the design is pretty uninspiring. Apple marketing is excellent though
July 2, 201016 yr Author Why would anyone want to queue through the night for a phone . Really, come on, its ridiculous. The iphone is a good phone and I'm sure the i4 is good even with the antenna design flaw and allergy to flash. But seriously, sitting on the dirty floor through the night to be one of the first is a little extreme. I actually think the design is pretty uninspiring. Apple marketing is excellent though Well we had fold out chairs; and queueing doesn't literally mean sitting there, not talking, just waiting. Everyone was chatting, laughing, it was actually pretty fun.
July 2, 201016 yr There may be a problem, but evidently it's been present since the iPhone 3GS (from my test ... believe me or not) - why has no-one mentioned it? It's not a problem, no-one grips their phone with such rage unless their wife calls during the second half of extra time of the World Cup final. I'm not sure how specific it is to iPhones - I'm struggling to see how the design of something surrounded by human flesh dictates the wavelength of radio signals, but nevertheless, it happens. It's related to the iphone4 antenna design and is not about gripping it like king kong. Around the edge are two separate antenna; one for the 3G and the other for calls. They meet on the lower left side and only have a small gap between them. When the two are bridged with your hand it effectively shorts out both antenna causing a complete loss of signal. It only take a few seconds to react and will drop the call you're on. Human flesh is conductive and antenna are sensitive to this. It's why you can stick your finger in a tv aerial connection and get a weak picture on your tele. No other phone in its class has such a fundamental design flaw and I think it’s an outrageous flaw to have on such an expensive phone. oh, and estimates have the iphone4 costing Apple approx $188 to make. Now that’s a healthy profit margin!
July 2, 201016 yr When the two are bridged with your hand it effectively shorts out both antenna causing a complete loss of signal. It only take a few seconds to react and will drop the call you're on. It's been officially announced that it can affect all iPhone models - so I'm not sure that theory is quite true. Apparently it's the signal strength algorithm, but again, that's not proven.
July 2, 201016 yr Official you say Come on Andy, you really think Apple would so easily admit to such a screw up. And its not like theres any proof.
July 2, 201016 yr I dont like Apple coz ya have to go through itunes for music. I've got an N97 which is utter sh**te. I'm with Orange on a 24 month contract (half way through) cos at the time I really wanted the N97. Get no signal at home at all and I desperately want an HTC HD2. Its just not fair . I wouldn't wipe my arse with an IPhone. But at least there's an app for that!!! Enjoy ya new acquisition! Regs, Numb That's funny because iTunes is a great piece of software. iTunes + iPhone + Spotify = Perfect Combination.
July 2, 201016 yr Author Damn, bit of a heated debate going on here. At the end of the day, the signal issue doesn't affect me much, I only lose one or two bars when I grip the phone that way; but now I have a bumper which protects the phone, feels and looks nice and kills the issue anyway. I'm extremely happy with my purchase .
Create an account or sign in to comment