JohnMassie.com

Earlier today according to Computerworld the COO of Microsoft, Kevin Turner was quoted saying:

“It looks like the iPhone 4 might be their Vista, and I’m okay with that,”

I’m glad to know that Microsoft finally admited Vista was the worst thing on earth but seriously to compare it to the iPhone 4′s reception issues? We’re talking about an Operating System that no one wanted from the start vs a phone 1.7 Million people purchased in four days. I’m pretty sure Microsoft didn’t have that kind of turn out for the Windows Vista launch. I also believe that Apple is addressing the issue in a timely manner vs Microsoft who never really admitted that Vista was the worst thing ever – well, next to Windows ME. Then he later goes on to talk about Windows 7 phone and how you don’t have to worry about how you hold it. Woah there Mr. Turner you might want to discuss that with the list of hardware manufacturers that is using your Windows 7 Phone OS since you don’t control the hardware being used…

It appears that Apple has announced they’re holding an “iPhone 4 Press Conference” on Friday. I wonder what they’re going to offer/talk about. I think after the mass media coverage I’d assume they’re going to recognize a flaw and hopefully provide a fix. What is baffling me though is I see so many iPhone 4 users complaining online about the issue but none of them will explain why they haven’t returned the handset? Apple has a 30 day return policy so if you’re that unhappy why not get your money back? Then there is also the camp of people that seem to not have the issue at all.

As I posted before I hope this press conference on Friday will be Apple extending their exceptional customer service and offering a true solution to the problem beyond “don’t hold it like that.” Thoughts?

- John

For months now poor Toyota has been in the spotlight. It seems that if something could be blamed on them – it was. Wave after wave of recalls and owners being upset that their car is trying to kill them and the news media having a hayday conducting tests and talking to distraught Toyota owners fearing for their life every time they got in their car (and some not even going near their car). Just as the dust settles it seems that Apple may now be the new company in the dreaded consumer (dis-)satisfaction spotlight.

The iPhone 4 Signal Quality Issue.
(Dum, Dum, Dummmmmm)

Everyone seems to be talking about it:

• TMobile/Sprint/Verizon Camp – Our (insert Android phone of your choice) is so much better. We don’t have signal issues.
• iPhone Users Without Upgrade Privileges Camp – Oh, I’m waiting for Apple to get that fixed before I buy one
• iPhone 4 Users Who Don’t Regret the Purchase Camp – I have no problems at all or it isn’t as bad or Look I have FaceTime and you don’t!
• iPhone 4 Users with Buyers Remorse – RECALL

Then you have the fence jumpers and the people who play all sides but you get the idea. Now, do I have an iPhone 4 – no. Am I planning on getting one – not sure. (Gasp, shock and horror… I know).

I’ve been an Apple customer for years now. Owning several of their desktops, laptops and two iPhones now I have been a happy customer and one of the main reasons I paid the “Apple Tax”, as many like to call it, for their products is for the customer service. I’ve had them fix out of warranty items, go above an beyond to make me happy when Micro Center sold me a known defective laptop, and always helped me when I’m in the Apple store. The iPhone has been the ONLY phone I’ve ever kept for my entire contract term and the only phone I’ve ever upgraded to the newer model when time came.

Then came the iPhone 4.

When I first saw it, I wasn’t sure I liked the new design. After seeing it in person, I love the new design. I’m also using the iOS4 on my iPhone 3GS and enjoy the new features that has brought with it. The problem I have right now is that our personal and my business contracts are coming to an end. I’m going to move to a month to month if possible but it leaves me wondering will I upgrade to an iPhone 4 or not?

I’m sure the slew of people that I convinced to switch to AT&T to experience the iPhone would murder me if I went to Verizon and picked up an HTC Incredible with Google Android OS but right now that is an option. I am curious to see how Apple handles this. So far, not so great, after Consumer Reports said to not buy the phone Apple deleted the discussion regarding the article off their forum [UPDATE: I guess there is now a thread they've left intact].

Will I upgrade? We’ll see. I think I’m going to hold out a little longer with my 3GS and see what developments happen or who knows, maybe I’ll skip this revision all together. Any of you have thoughts? Is Apple the new Toyota?