In a hastily organized news conference called to respond to criticism that the iPhone 4 has serious reception problems, Apple chief Steve Jobs announced a solution that sidestepped a recall that could have cost the company $1.5 billion: Free, $35 cases that seem to put virtual duct tape on the problem.

Jobs also dared all you iPhone fanboys and girls to return your undamaged phone for a full refund — at least until Sept. 30. So there.

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