Livestrong Bands Provide Cheap Fix For iPhone 4

By now, you've probably heard about the iPhone 4's reception issues where users have reported reception problems and dropped calls if they hold the phone in a certain manner. Apple has suggested that users hold the phone differently or buy a case to help fix some of these problems. Apple offers its own Bumper case that surrounds the outer rim of the phone. It's available in white, black, blue, green, orange and pink.

Instead of spending $29 for a rubber case from Apple, some Apple fan sites have found a cheaper fix: Livestrong Bands. These plastic wristbands are available for about $1 each. To use the wristband as a guard for your iPhone 4, you'll need to use a pair of scissors and cut holes for the phone's dock connector, headphone jack, and silent-mode toggle switch.

Although many Apple enthusiasts are accustomed to paying premium prices for Apple gadgets, it's hard not to feel like you're getting ripped off by having to buy a $29 case just so the phone will function properly.

Of course, Apple isn't going to back the Livestrong band solution, but Livestrong.org certainly isn't complaining about the extra business. “This glitch is our gain by getting our message of social change to more people,” foundation President Doug Ulman said in a statement. Lance Armstrong sent a message to his Twitter.com followers simply saying, "Wow. Cool," with regards to the new use for the bands.