The much anticipated iphone4 went on sale Thursday, June 24 after much anticipation from the techno-savvy. But as shoppers rush to be the first to discard their seemingly ancient iphone predecessors, buyers and reviewers are pointing to a persistent problem.

It seems reception for the iphone4 can be impaired depending on how you hold the phone. The problem is perhaps due to an internal antenna that is embedded along the edge of the phone, directly under a user’s grip. Apple, the quintessential hallmark of innovation, responded, “Just avoid holding it in that way.” “That way” being the intuitive, fairly standard way to hold a cell phone. And, in an upsell worthy of any telemarketer working today, they recommend buying the iphone4 cover to reduce the interference, among other ideas.

It may be the ultimate karmic twist that in addition to CNN’s report
on the matter, Gizmodo (who found the iphone4 prototype) and Engadget (who posted the prototype photo) are sharing what looks to be the original email from Apple CEO Steve Jobs offering the advice, as well as Apple’s follow up clarifications.

Based on Jobs initial response, there appears to be a fine line between reinventing the user experience and vaudeville. His advice bears a striking resemblance to the tired classic: A guy goes into a Dr.’s office saying, “It hurts when I do this.” To which the Dr. replies, “So don’t do that.” Perhaps Apple has an amazing sense of humor with regard to their products and this is all a misunderstanding. Surely they are joking if they believe there’s no problem with the design, just the user’s hand.

As for advice regarding iterations of other Apple products, maybe Jobs will continue in this vein and fall back on comedy staple, “a man, a parrot and donkey all set off in a boat …” Forget the Worldwide Developers Conference, Jobs should be at the Bellagio. No doubt seats would sell out early.