Consumer Reports, one of the leading mainstream comparison groups, recently put the iPhone 4 under the microscope to see how the device stands up against its competitors.  Their findings?  While the iPhone 4 is one of the best handsets available, they can't recommend the device due to its well-documented antenna flaws.  Apple has stated in the past that the reception problem is a software issue that will be remedied with an upcoming iOS update.  Consumer Reports isn't buying it, though, stating that they believe that a design flaw is to blame for the poor signal.  They suggest that users apply duct tape to solve their reception woes.  Besides the antenna problem, Consumer Reports loved the iPhone 4:

The iPhone scored high, in part because it sports the sharpest display and best video camera we've seen on any phone, and even outshines its high-scoring predecessors with improved battery life and such new features as a front-facing camera for video chats and a built-in gyroscope that turns the phone into a super-responsive game controller. But Apple needs to come up with a permanent—and free—fix for the antenna problem before we can recommend the iPhone 4.

Consumer Reports concludes by saying that for an iPhone that won't rely on tape to solve its signal problems, they recommend you check out an iPhone 3GS, a statement which can't make Apple happy.  Regardless of the widespread reports of  reception issues, the iPhone 4 continues to sell like hotcakes.  Perhaps people are just exploring new ways to hold their phones so that they can continue to experience the high-resolution display and new design?

Via TechCrunch, Consumer Reports