This is unacceptable.

How did this happen? This time, it was actually not a functionality defect, but rather just dust under the screen. Granted, it was excessive dust, that severely affected my user experience. For a 2-month old phone, it was definitely unacceptable. And considering that I’ve not seen an iPhone with dust under the screen before, I considered it a manufacturing defect.

So, the Apple Store again refused to replace my NEW phone with another new phone. I got a refurbished phone as replacement. I still maintain my opinion that that policy is complete and utter bullshit, and sends a very bad message to the customer.

I’m hoping for Apple’s sake that this one doesn’t sprout some weird issue in the coming weeks, because that will be the straw that breaks this camel’s back.

I will, at that point, take on the daunting task of switching BACK to T-Mobile, BACK to Windows Mobile 6, and getting my money back from Apple. Of course, this would involve returning the iPhone as well (and good riddance as far as I’m concerned). However, it will also involve Apple paying for my T-Mobile cutoff fees, my AT&T deposit, my AT&T cutoff fees, and if necessary, my new T-Mobile deposit (since the only reason I switched to AT&T was to get the iPhone, leaving T-Mobile and their better coverage, fewer dropped calls, lower prices and better customer service). I may just throw in the amount of money I have spent in the App Store as well, since all of those apps are decidedly useless without an iPhone. And, if I’m feeling adventurous, I may also ask for the money back for the 3 cases I’ve had to purchase for my iPhone, since Apple makes the ONLY mobile phone on the market that requires a case/skin, yet Apple doesn’t make a case/skin for it (Blackberry, for the record, gives you a free case with every phone. And it’s not required, either.).

If Apple is resistant in this case, I will have to move on to more offensive measures, starting with the local newspaper, and moving my way up.

Apple, You had better cross your fingers that this refurbished iPhone 3G doesn’t have any issues. Else I will make your fruity rainbow-flavored apple-with-a-bite-missing (coincidence?) ass pay for this debacle with as much of a stink as one person is able to manufacture with empirical evidence and total dissatisfaction.

This would have all been avoided the first time I had issues if Apple had replaced my defective phone with a new one instead of a refurbished one.

Way to go, Apple. You’ve successfully scared me away from buying a ~$3,000 laptop from you!

I’ve just gotten my 3rd replacement iPhone. That makes this my 4th iPhone 3G since September…

I am left with no choice but to recommend that you steer clear of this ever-so-coveted device, and for the sake of whatever god you worship, don’t switch to AT&T for it.

Check back to this post for updates…

Anyone in the market for an iPhone 3G with an intermittent speaker?

I’m at the Apple Store right now, restoring my data from a backup to the new iPhone.  Actually, it’s a refurbished iPhone.

Much to my surprise, I was not hassled by the “Genius” at all.  He was a little brief with me, not the best people skills… but he replaced my phone, no questions asked.

Lets hope this iPhone doesn’t have any issues!

Yesterday, I noticed a relatively short battery life on my phone.  Charged it up (second time in a day), and waited.  6 hours later, it was dead again.  Mind you, this is with 1 phone call and 4-5 text messages.

Even now as I sit here at my desk at work, my phone has been off the charger for less than an hour, and the battery indicator is already creeping down.  That’s not a good sign, folks…

So now, I know what I must do.  I will now have to go to the Apple Store and talk to a “Genius” about my issue.  He/she will most likely insult me for using Windows, and try to blame the problem on me.  I may have to make more than one visit to the Apple Store, or worse, call AppleCare’s 800 number (-shudder-).

I’ll keep you updated on the bulls**t I will likely face with the “support” that Apple renders…

I am in the market to switch to AT&T, in order to get an iPhone 3G. Now, I have T-Mobile. I have had them for nearly 4 years, after switching from AT&T around the time of the Cingular merger.

I have not had a single problem with T-Mobile.

Reluctantly, I walk in to the AT&T store to inquire about switching, and getting the iPhone. AT&T wants a $750 deposit from me, just to establish service! Now, I don’t have polished credit, so I can justify them asking for a deposit, but $750?!

That’s almost 2 car payments. That’s more than double the deposit ON MY APARTMENT. Now, not only will they explain to me why the deposit is so high, but they also will not back off of it.

Does anyone else find this unreasonable?

Apple, you would have sold an iPhone to me if AT&T had a more reasonable policy on deposits for service. Maybe you should consider asking them to change their sales tactics. After all, you’re losing money on this, too.

Here are some other examples of people unable to get the iPhone because of AT&T’s deposit policy:
http://www.nickstarr.com/2007/01/10/the-iphone-to-cost-1349/
http://consumerist.com/tag/iphone/?i=5020924&t=help-att-wants-a-750-deposit-but-i-really-want-an-iphone
http://consumerist.com/381767/att-fails-to-provide-service-holds-750-deposit-hostage-for-two-months

Fair? I think not.

At the leaast, they’ve added the App Store and a new feature that allows you to control your iTunes remotely from anywhere with a wi-fi connection.  That’s cool and all (okay, so it’s REALLY cool), but I still use Windows Vista, and Apple still hasn’t been able to make iTunes work correctly with the Vista Aero interface…

Since Windows Vista came out over a year and a half ago, iTunes has had this problem (see screenshot below).  C’mon Apple, will you fix it?  Pretty please?  With a cherry on top?