PC Mag says that Apple is hiring several new antenna engineers for the iPad/iPhone. Sounds like someone's head landed on the chopping block.
I thought this was an interesting perspective on the problem. And the iOS update may also be of interest on the iPad.
The reception issues on both the iPhone 4 and iPad are a shame. About time! It should have happened a year ago. Detuning the antenna by physical contact with a conductive substance is so obvious as to be foolishly neglectful for any average EE. The ibiggest Pad issue is probably software, but side-by-side comparisons to my laptop, and even a kids old, beaten iPod touch make the antenna weakness pretty obvious.
