Apple in trouble again

[sabredog]

The ACCC is taking action against Apple for misleading Australian consumers regarding 4G connectivity.

http://www.watoday.com.au/business/w...327-1vw8h.html

[murraypaul]

Doh! It says where the 4G coverage works in the small print of the screenshot included in the article!

[Sil_liS]

Originally Posted by murraypaul

Doh! It says where the 4G coverage works in the small print of the screenshot included in the article!

They shouldn't have sold the 4G model. What's the logic? The buyer can use 4G when they visit the US or Canada?

[murraypaul]

Originally Posted by Sil_liS

They shouldn't have sold the 4G model. What's the logic? The buyer can use 4G when they visit the US or Canada?

It is also the 3G model, that is why they sell it.

[Andrew H.]

At least according to the ITU, the iPad's HSPA+ is 4G. Is there a reason why this would be different in Australia?

Over the weekend [in December 2010] the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) loosened its definition of 4G to include LTE, WiMax, and HSPA+.

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2374564,00.asp

[emellaich]

... and in other news, with a potential market of 7 billion (the world population), a product is not a perfect solution for every one of those people.

[cHex]

Seems like a reasonable lawsuit. Apple describes the device as "+ 4G," and claims it works with international 4G networks, but does not mention it won't work on Australian 4G networks. A "4G" device that didn't work on American 4G networks would not be lawsuit-free just because it worked in some foreign countries' 4G networks.

[sabredog]

Originally Posted by emellaich

... and in other news, with a potential market of 7 billion (the world population), a product is not a perfect solution for every one of those people.

That may be so, but it does not condone being loose with the truth.

It is in court now, they will decide what happens from this point forward.

http://www.watoday.com.au/digital-li...328-1vxpy.html

[HarryT]

As a matter of interest, why doesn't it work on Australian 4G networks? It's a moot point thus far in the UK, since we don't have any 4G networks yet.

[Kumabjorn]

Different protocols or bandwith?

[sabredog]

Originally Posted by HarryT

As a matter of interest, why doesn't it work on Australian 4G networks? It's a moot point thus far in the UK, since we don't have any 4G networks yet.

Telstra operates a 4G network using long-term-evolution (LTE) technology at 1800 megahertz, while Vividwireless operates a 4G network using WiMax technology at 2.3 gigahertz.

Apple’s new iPad works on 4G networks tuned to 700 MHz or 2. 1 GHz - frequencies only used the United States and Canada. It still operates on Australian 3G networks.

http://www.watoday.com.au/digital-li...#ixzz1qOuXUt8O

[tubemonkey]

Apple offers refunds

Apple Australia has agreed to post signs wherever its new tablet computer is sold clarifying, the device does not work on Australian fourth-generation mobile networks.

The tech giant has also agreed to email anyone who purchased the new iPad stating the limitation and to offer refunds to consumers.

[HarryT]

I don't know if it's different elsewhere, but here Apple offer a "no questions asked" 14-day full refund, so people can get a refund anyway.

[petermillard]

Originally Posted by HarryT

I don't know if it's different elsewhere, but here Apple offer a "no questions asked" 14-day full refund, so people can get a refund anyway.

Yes, according to Apple.com/au it would seem that the 14 day returns policy also is valid down under. So not much of a story then, really...

[murraypaul]

Originally Posted by cHex

Seems like a reasonable lawsuit. Apple describes the device as "+ 4G," and claims it works with international 4G networks, but does not mention it won't work on Australian 4G networks.

Actually that isn't true.
Take a look at the screenshot in the linked article, it says exactly which networks it works on, and lists only US and Canada for 4G.