Feedback for Apple on iPhone Headset

Question

I develop software for a living. I also use a considerable amount of technology at both work and home, including using Bluetooth and Wifi to connect robots and computers together.
I've played with (4) iPhone headsets (three on exchange from the Apple store, and one friend's) over the past two days and I thought I would post my observations so Apple would have more data on which to hopefully address these issues. Most of this stuff echoes what others are saying here in these forums:
- the headset has limited range
- the headset drops out, or disconnects occasionally
- the headset has a considerable amount of hiss during a call
I'm 6'8" tall. When the phone is in the opposite pants pocket (phone in left pocket, headset in right ear), I experience drop outs and disconnects with the headset. When the phone is on my desk, I experience drop outs and disconnects when about 10-12 feet away. Keeping the phone in the same-side pocket seems to work ok. Lame, but acceptable.
I went into Sam's on Sunday and experienced a complete disconnect the entire time I was in the store. Only until I left did the phone and headset re-pair with each other. This was while holding the phone in my hand, only a few feet away from the headset. I assume interference from other headsets/computers was causing this. Switching to my Motorola headset in-store, I had no problems.
I just ran a test at work with a Treo 650. Same symptoms, drop outs and disconnects. Limited distance away, ran into the same symptoms.
I also tested the iPhone headset with an iMac 24" and surprisingly it works 30' away, out of line of site, and in another room (wall between). No disconnect, no drop outs, little to no hiss. I got the exact same performance from my $50 Motorola headset.
The going theory is that the signal strength/gain in the iPhone is lower than what the computer can achieve. In the same vein, the Motorola headset probably has higher signal strength and gain than the iPhone headset, which alleviates the lower gain on the iPhone, but plays no factor when connecting directly to the (stronger signal based) computer.
Together however, the iPhone and iPhone headset are a bad pair. I'm wondering if it would be possible to boost power to the Bluetooth radio on the iPhone to help this problem? I realize that adding power on the phone doesn't increase gain on the phone, so there is still the issue with the headset transmitting a decent signal back to the phone. Perhaps a gain in power from the headset can be done via a software upgrade? Four connectors on the bottom of the unit...can it be flashed?
It's possible that the environments we are in are causing interference: http://www.mobileinfo.com/Bluetooth/FAQ.htm#t3 - perhaps the headset is being interfered with by other devices (like Wifi)?
I love the small form factor, the charging station, in-ear setup, the level of the volume, and the simplicity of the unit. However, the performance leaves a LOT to be desired.
I would like to see an Apple representitive appear here to address these concerns. Obviously disconnects experienced in one's (albeit large) pocket isn't acceptable.

Answer 1

I have already reported the issues to the manager of the store in my town, and she notified me that she was working on getting the issue up the chain of command.
The feedback form is a one-way communications channel, and I find it unacceptable to use in a situation where numerous users are experiencing the same issues over and over. It is unlikely that my complaint is unique, however I've tried to be as detailed as possible here so that others in the forums can focus and refine the issue so that we may become aware of what the real problem is with the unit.
I love the product, but it is clearly flawed in some fundamental way. It is far better to get this out in the open to discuss, rather than ***** and moan about it aimlessly.
I'm keeping my headset, and will continue providing as much feedback here in the forums as necessary as I work to establish a cause and solution.
Thanks for your reply!