iPhone News Updated

Hundreds of Canadians wait in line for new iPhone 4

Hundreds of Canadians wait in line for new iPhone 4

Hundreds of people lined up in Toronto, many overnight, to be the first in Canada to hold the new iPhone 4.

Despite complaints pouring in from the United States about Apple’s latest gadget, many people outside the store Friday said they weren’t concerned about the reports of minor signal problems with the phone.

Gary Chan, 21, arrived at the mall at 10 p.m. on Thursday to line up. At around 1:30 a.m., the line was moved outside so the mall could close for the evening, but they traipsed back in just before the Apple Store opened at 7 a.m.

“It was worth the wait,” said an exhausted but happy Chan as he held the phone in his hand.

“The improved screen, it’s really crisp. I’ve seen it in person. It’s beautiful, and the improved camera, HD video recording, and it can finally multi-task,” Chan said, as he listed features.

Chan was quick to defend the product, despite customer complaints from the United States that calls were being dropped when the phone was held a certain way.

“I think that is over exaggerated,” said Chan, shrugging. “It’s kind of like Toyota and that gas pedal issue. It has been blown out of proportion. If there’s anything serious at all, Apple will be on top of it.”

For Cameron Burgess, 13, the decision to camp out to upgrade his iPhone 3G to an iPhone 4 was more about the atmosphere.

“I like just meeting the different people. It’s really cool, half of it’s the phone, half of it’s just the experience,” said Burgess.

The 16 GB model retails at $659 before taxes and the 32 GB phone is $779.

Burgess also said he wasn’t worried about the iPhone problem, a glitch that has been termed “death grip.”

“I think a lot of the troubles are related to AT&T’s bad network in the States, and I don’t think the troubles will carry through to here,” he added.

Apple had promised to give away free rubber cases meant to improve reception. But customers in line were told they would not be receiving the cases, and could request them online.

Apple CEO Steve Jobs has downplayed the signal problem, saying it’s a common issue with all smartphones.

Earlier this month, Consumer Reports magazine did not recommend the iPhone 4 because of the reception problems.

Analysts also said Apple created a public relations headache for itself by appearing to dismiss the issue.

[Thanks: http://www.ctvbc.ctv.ca]

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