> While there is little controversy surrounding the fact that some changes can be observed in iPhone 4 signal bars by holding the device a certain way, and that the signal strength may impact call quality and data transmissions speeds, Egan notes that it is not known “what part of this problem is Apple’s and what part is related to the AT&T network. And we don’t know how the observed effect is, or is not, similar to other devices.
>
> “We also don’t know if placing a finger on the antenna bridge is detuning the antenna or detuning the receiver itself. And neither does *Consumer Reports*.”
>
> *Reuters* and other new agencies have jumped on the latest blog posting by *Consumer Reports* to suggest that the groups’s [refusal to “recommend”](http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/10/07/12/consumer_reports_changes_stance_cannot_recommend_apples_iphone_4.html) iPhone 4 with a special endorsement is actually [a recommendation against](http://www.reuters.com/article/idCNN1325108820100713?rpc=44) buying the phone.
>
> The report by *Reuters* described *Consumer Reports*‘ evaluation of iPhone 4 “critical” and a “poor review,” despite the fact that iPhone 4 is the [highest ranked smartphone](http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/10/07/13/consumer_reports_ranks_apples_iphone_4_best_smartphone_available.html) in the group’s mobile phone rankings. *Consumer Reports* does not appear to have “recommended” any smartphone model in its tests.
via [appleinsider.com](http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/10/07/13/radio_engineer_consumer_reports_iphone_4_testing_flawed.html)
Like I said, Consumer Reports is starting to look like it has a credibility problem. Apple could easily capitalize on this and turn this thing around.
I don’t know. Looks to me like someone at Consumer Reports doesn’t like Apple. Why else would they start off saying the issue is minor (which it is) and then turn completely around to not recommend it, and then still keep the phone as its top ranked smartphone? That’s just not the sort of rock solid, dependable reporting people count on from this publication. Did Steve forget to send someone over there a Christmas card last year?
