Consumer Reports tests point to hardware flaw

Following a Consumer Reports' article recommending against the iPhone 4, Apple has quietly purged its discussion forums of numerous threads relating to the report. Moderators apparently removed at least five similar threads, however the content was cached by Bing and the broken links can still be found on Google.

It is not uncommon for Apple to cleanse its forums of discussions with a negative outlook on its products. Several threads relating to the antenna issue remain in the forums, including a reference to a PCWorld article calling the issue "overblow," however the Consumer Reports findings directly contradict Apple's public stance downplaying the problem as a software bug rather than a design flaw.

CR completed trials on iPhones contained in a RF isolation chamber, with the devices tested by connecting to a simulated tower. Covering the lower left-hand side of the housing caused the signal to fade by as much as 20dB. Tests completed using other devices, including the iPhone 3GS, did not show such an extreme level of signal attenuation.

Several law firms in various states have already begun vying for class-action lawsuits over the antenna issue. Apple has been accused of intentionally misrepresenting a product known to be defective, while not offering a complete fix or replacing the devices with a revised design. [via TUAW]

by MacNN Staff