NPR logo NPR
All Tech ConsideredTechnology News From NPR

Gadgets & Apps

Twelve New Ways To Hold Your iPhone 4

by Omar L. Gallaga

So, you were one of the lucky 1.7 million who got an iPhone 4 in the first days after it went on sale. Lucky! But perhaps you didn’t feel so lucky when you found out that simply holding the phone could cause interference with phone calls, or at least affect the signal bars on your screen. Suddenly, everything you thought you knew about how to hold a cell phone was in doubt.

But fear not! In this set of photos by David T. Cole, who also happens to be a tech-gear model, we’ll show you 12 ways to hold your iPhone 4, avoiding the antenna no-hand’s-land and without the expense of a pricey case. (Take THAT, Steve Jobs!)

  • The Blues Harp – Holding the iPhone 4 with your palms placed on the top and bottom of the phone should keep you clear of the questionable antenna areas. Now, find a good harmonica app and share a few Delta riffs with the person you're calling.
    Hide caption
    The Blues Harp – Holding the iPhone 4 with your palms placed on the top and bottom of the phone should keep you clear of the questionable antenna areas. Now, find a good harmonica app and share a few Delta riffs with the person you're calling.
    Previous Next
    David T. Cole/Glark.org
  • The Major Domo – You're a busy, important person with things to do. Why should YOU have to deal with antenna issues? It's time for a personal assistant to hold the phone for you. Make sure you tell them: Dropped calls are grounds for termination.
    Hide caption
    The Major Domo – You're a busy, important person with things to do. Why should YOU have to deal with antenna issues? It's time for a personal assistant to hold the phone for you. Make sure you tell them: Dropped calls are grounds for termination.
    Previous Next
    David T. Cole/Glark.org
  • The Dam Builder – It's not the most hygienic option, but if you've got the gift of gab to the point where you can dial, talk and activate FaceTime with only your gums and lips, you will be one popular, busy beaver among your phone contacts.
    Hide caption
    The Dam Builder – It's not the most hygienic option, but if you've got the gift of gab to the point where you can dial, talk and activate FaceTime with only your gums and lips, you will be one popular, busy beaver among your phone contacts.
    Previous Next
    David T. Cole/Glark.org
  • The Dick Tracy – The future from the past is now! Communicate in noir style with your iPhone 4 as a retro-fashion-forward wrist communicator. You're on your way!
    Hide caption
    The Dick Tracy – The future from the past is now! Communicate in noir style with your iPhone 4 as a retro-fashion-forward wrist communicator. You're on your way!
    Previous Next
    David T. Cole/Glark.org
  • The Buckwheat – Everything will be "Otay" if you use a thumb and three fingers to hold your iPhone. Get your gang together, you little rascal.
    Hide caption
    The Buckwheat – Everything will be "Otay" if you use a thumb and three fingers to hold your iPhone. Get your gang together, you little rascal.
    Previous Next
    Warning: If refer to your friends as an actual "Gang" the hold could be confused for the "Left-Handed Crips" sign./Glark.org
  • The Fancy Debutate – The early-adopter tech world is full of boorish, uncouth, manner-impaired nerds. (We should know; we are among them.) Show some class with a little extended-pinky charm.
    Hide caption
    The Fancy Debutate – The early-adopter tech world is full of boorish, uncouth, manner-impaired nerds. (We should know; we are among them.) Show some class with a little extended-pinky charm.
    Previous Next
    David T. Cole/Glark.org
  • The Iron Man – It costs a little more than a cheap plastic case, but you'll be pleased with the results of having the iPhone surgically implanted onto your body. It's hands-free and, with an optional self-sustaining mini nuclear reactor, that charging cable is obsolete.
    Hide caption
    The Iron Man – It costs a little more than a cheap plastic case, but you'll be pleased with the results of having the iPhone surgically implanted onto your body. It's hands-free and, with an optional self-sustaining mini nuclear reactor, that charging cable is obsolete.
    Previous Next
    David T. Cole/Glark.org
  • The Kraken – This overhand grip may obscure part of the screen, but it keeps your fingers away from the antenna and may strike fear into the hearts of passersby. It may look awkward, but the Greek Gods would never have complained. Release the 3G signals!
    Hide caption
    The Kraken – This overhand grip may obscure part of the screen, but it keeps your fingers away from the antenna and may strike fear into the hearts of passersby. It may look awkward, but the Greek Gods would never have complained. Release the 3G signals!
    Previous Next
    David T. Cole/Glark.org
  • The Long Tong Coming – Tongs are among our most underused household implements. It's time for this handy tool to get out of that kitchen drawer and into your daily routine. Plus, you weren't going to eat a salad that needs tossing anyway. Come on. Seriously!
    Hide caption
    The Long Tong Coming – Tongs are among our most underused household implements. It's time for this handy tool to get out of that kitchen drawer and into your daily routine. Plus, you weren't going to eat a salad that needs tossing anyway. Come on. Seriously!
    Previous Next
    David T. Cole/Glark.org
  • The Mad Hatter – For cold-weather climates, strapping an iPhone to your hat provides not only the proximity you need for highly intimate conversations, but the warmth that will protect your tender earlobes from succumbing to dangerous frostbite.
    Hide caption
    The Mad Hatter – For cold-weather climates, strapping an iPhone to your hat provides not only the proximity you need for highly intimate conversations, but the warmth that will protect your tender earlobes from succumbing to dangerous frostbite.
    Previous Next
    David T. Cole/Glark.org
  • The Shaka – The obvious choice for holding your iPhone 4 if you are traveling to Hawaii. Greet islanders as you check in on your important affairs back home.
    Hide caption
    The Shaka – The obvious choice for holding your iPhone 4 if you are traveling to Hawaii. Greet islanders as you check in on your important affairs back home.
    Previous Next
    David T. Cole/Glark.org
  • The Turn Your Head And Cough – Cup the bottom of you iPhone 4 and pivot your wrist until the screen is close enough for voice chatting. May cause hand cramps, neck pains and unwanted medical diagnoses.
    Hide caption
    The Turn Your Head And Cough – Cup the bottom of you iPhone 4 and pivot your wrist until the screen is close enough for voice chatting. May cause hand cramps, neck pains and unwanted medical diagnoses.
    Previous Next
    David T. Cole/Glark.org

1 of 12

View slideshow i

Comments

 

Please keep your community civil. All comments must follow the NPR.org Community rules and terms of use, and will be moderated prior to posting. NPR reserves the right to use the comments we receive, in whole or in part, and to use the commenter's name and location, in any medium. See also the Terms of Use, Privacy Policy and Community FAQ.

NPR logo NPR
All Tech ConsideredTechnology News From NPR