Can't wait for your free iPhone 4 bumper? Here's an effective, temporary fix

Those free iPhone 4 bumpers that solve the problem of allegedly errant antenna reception may not yet be available on the Apple website -- details are coming soon, Apple representatives say -- but if you want to rig up a suitable fix in the meantime, you can do what I did: Use the PixelSkin rubber case manufactured by Speck for the iPhone 3 and 3Gs.

The $24.95 case, which comes in array of smart colors such as spearmint green and sherbet pink, is not a 100% perfect fit for your iPhone 4 -- and it will block the flashlight on your iPhone 4 camera, so take it off for night photography.

But since I've tried this solution, I've noticed no reception problems at all on my iPhone 4. Now in case you think I'm a mindless Mac guy, an iPhone cheerleader or wishfully thinking, keep in mind that I've been a vocal critic of AT&T's wireless service for the iPhone for some time. I've recommended everything from tin cans and string to smoke signal apps as preferable substitutes.