Antennagate: Real-world solutions to the iPhone 4 antenna problem

July 22, 2010 - By Justin E. Gehrke

If you’ve been conscious anytime in the last month, you’re certain to have heard about the drama surrounding the iPhone 4’s antenna problems. The complaints began to surface back in June. It wasn’t until tech circles began calling it Antennagate that Apple really began to take notice. What was their response? Well, initially the solution was rumored to be a software update that would fix a flawed formula in the way the “bars of reception” was calculated and displayed. This was followed up by an official Apple press release on July 2, 2010. When that explanation didn’t quell the angry masses, Apple went a step further and, on July 16, 2010, held a press conference wherein the solution identified was to distribute free cases to those who had already purchased the iPhone 4. If that logic hurt your brain, don’t fell bad. It hurt ours, too.

So what is the solution? The logical step might be reevaluating and reengineering something. It could be software or hardware fix, or, as Steve Jobs suggested, just holding it the “correct” way might work. Let’s pause and think for a minute. Are iPhone 4 cases the answer, either? What about those who don’t like cases on gadgets. Some don’t want to bulk it up with armor. Some like to carry it in their pockets. Adding even a quarter of an inch of width, length, or depth is unacceptable for many size-conscious users. Should we complain about Apple’s solution, though? The question brings to mind the old addage, “It’s better to be part of the solution, not the problem.” We choose this route. As a result, some Geek Shui geeks (okay, one Geek Shui geek…okay, me) sat down and decided to come up with some alternative solutions to holding the phone correctly or using a case. Take your pick. Ultimately, they can’t make the situation any worse….well, probably not, anyway.

iPhone 4: Please don't touch me there.

So what are the alternatives? We’ve given you the idea, a basic description and the estimated price range to achieve it. Here they are in no particular order of effectiveness:

The iPhone Stereo Headset - This is the most obvious choice. If the problem is that the iPhone 4 doesn’t like to be touched “there”, then the best solution is not to touch it at all. Using the official headset that came with the iPhone 4 (or any previous generation iPhone for that matter) will allow you to set the phone down while talking. Putting it in your pocket or in a holster might not help, since the material might accidentally touch the wrong place and drop your call. Thusly, placing the iPhone 4 face-up on a flat surface is recommendable. (Price Range: Free with the iPhone 4 or $29.00 for a replacement set of the official Apple product)

The Bluetooth Headset - For those who like the headset idea but can’t bear the thought of a dangling cord, the Bluetooth headset is the way to go. In addition to helping you not touch the phone when making calls, it will also project an air of importance because…let’s face it…people who walk around with Bluetooth headsets on all day long look really cool. Prices are pretty moderate for basic Bluetooth headsets. Athletic types and audio-aficionados might appreciate spending a little more for models like the Jaybird Freedom Bluetooth headphones which stream and allow for the control of music, as well. (Price Range: From $25 for low-end models to $159 for Jaybird-type products)

The aforementioned are some fairly routine alternatives. Next, we’ll move on to some more avant-garde approaches. These are decidedly much more low-tech in their application. Also, be forewarned that these solutions are for the daring types who don’t mind strange looks from others.

The Duct Tape solution – If you’re from the midwest, you might have heard the phrase, “There’s nothing that can’t be fixed with duct tape and baling wire.” Luckily for iPhone 4 users, no baling wire is needed to achieve this solution. It’s true. This is similar to the iPhone Antenn-aid, but is ultimately more cost-effective. Many iPhone 4 owners probably already have duct tape at home. If not, it can be picked up at Home Depot or pretty much any store with a hardware or tape section. Simply cut the duct tape to the width of the devices stainless steel sides and stick it on. If you don’t get the fit right or put it on smoothly the first time, take it off and cut another piece. An added bonus is that the standard silver duct tape will blend right in with the iPhone 4 body. For the truly bold iPhone 4 owner who wants to be practical and make a statement, bright red duct tape might be the perfect choice. (Price Range: From “You already have it in the tool box” to $20 if you’re going for the high-end stuff)

The Velcro Solution – For us, this is the most dynamic approach to an alternative solution to one’s iPhone 4 antenna problems. Velcro has long been the solution for sticking stuff securely, yet temporarily. In this case, the concept is no different. The concept is a simple one. Buy the size closest to the width of the iPhone 4. Remove the adhesive from the soft side of the velcro. Stick it on the back of the iPhone 4. The same process can be used to stick the rough side of the velcro to the palm of one’s hand. When placing or receiving a call, simply stick the iPhone 4 to the palm of the hand. Face it. This solution is also the closest we’ll probably ever come to achieving the dream of surgically attaching a mobile device to our bodies. So, seize the opportunity and go for velcro. (Price Range: From $3 for small pads to $30 for rolls of the heavy duty stuff)

This technique has several added benefits if one invests in a whole roll of velcro:

- Additional rough sides can be placed on other commonly used surfaces, such as a car’s console or sun visor, the inside of a purse or bag, or on the wall next to the charger.
- In the unfortunate event the iPhone 4 is dropped, the soft backing may provide protection against the glass-shattering impact we’ve all read about.

Now, it should be clear that there are alternatives to holding the iPhone 4 correctly or confining it to the jail that is a bulky case. Will they work? We have no idea. No actual testing was done. Therefore, one should proceed at his or her own risk. Alternatively, one can pursue the route we did. Make up your own solution. The important thing is that it works for you.

Well, it should be clear that Antennagate is no longer an issue. Problem identified. Solutions found. Now we can move on to more important stuff like speculating further on when the iPhone 4 will finally be sold by Verizon or Sprint.