Summary Box: Apple need not respond to Consumer Reports on antenna design issue, analysts say

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Summary Box: Apple silent on antenna critique

THE CRITIQUE: Consumer Reports says reception problems with Apple’s iPhone 4 are caused by the antenna design. The magazine’s tests show holding the phone a certain way interferes. Some Apple watchers think Apple should recall the phones or give out free cases.

THE DEFENSE: Apple hasn’t responded directly. Earlier, Apple said the problem is faulty software that causes the phone to show too many “bars” of signal strength.

THE OUTLOOK: Analysts say it won’t hurt Apple to do nothing. IPhone fans like the gadgets so much that they’re willing to put up with reception problems.