Fix Your iPhone 4 Reception Woes for a Dollar

From: Tom's Hardware July 2, 2010

Only a fool would pay $30 for something he could make himself for a fraction of the cost.



A lot of people think Apple should be giving iPhone 4 users free bumpers to fix the new device's antenna problem and it's easy to see why; the bumpers cost $30 from the Apple store. Why should loyal customers have to pay an extra $30 to fix something they aren't responsible for? Unfortunately, Apple has said that they will not be appeasing customers with free bumpers.

If you've resigned yourself to the fact that you'll need one of these bumpers to make calls or comfortably hold your phone without killing reception, then we encourage you not to spend $30 on one from Apple. Why would you when you can spend a $1 making your own?

If you're familiar with the Livestrong wristbands sold by the Lance Armstrong foundation, you probably know that there are tons of other versions, you can get them pretty much anywhere and they cost next to nothing. Well, iPhone Guru (via Wired) reports that these little gel bracelets actually make pretty decent bumpers.



Grab yourself a Stanley Knife (or any kind of blade you think will do the job) and make an incision measuring about 1.125-inches long and 0.125-inches wide. Stretch the bracelet around the edge of your phone and voila, a bumper that involved minimal effort and costs 1/30th of what Apple is asking.

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Good Ol' Apple! They excel at the "Customer NO Service" !

Plus buying the bands helps out a good cause through Lance Armstrong's foundation.