Wi-Fi drops after iOS 4.2.1

I have a few updates, but no fixes, I'd like to share. The main update is that there's no solution to the Wi-Fi drop problem, and Apple doesn't seem to be interested in addressing it any further. It would have with 4.3. I didn't have a single drop with the iPad until I upgraded to OS 4.2. And since then it's been several drops every time I use the iPad. I had continued problems until I upgraded to 4.3. Miraculously, the problem was resolved... until it happened again. It took a couple of weeks, but eventually the same problem started happening again.

I've heard the argument that if the iPad works on one network and not the other, the problem is with the router. That's a fallacy, makes no sense, and certainly doesn't hold up to scrutiny. If one router works and another doesn't, that doesn't rule out the iPad. It could simply show that the iPad is finicky, not the router. I've never even heard of Wi-Fi drops until I owned an iPad. Never had any problems. There's no question my router is putting out the same signal. It never stops. It's a radio that's always on, just like a music station broadcasts FM. It's always there. You just need to tune in. If your car radio stopped working, would you blame the radio station, or is it a more likely bet that there's something wrong with the device receiving the signal? The iPad doesn't like the signal for some reason and won't tune in. That's not the router's fault. The router's doing what it's designed to do, what it does day and night, just like a radio station: put out a signal. And getting a new router won't change that.

After more digging and frustration from 4.3 not solving the problem, I found an old and buried article about Apple recognizing the problem and offering some fixes. I tried moving my wireless phone further away from the router. The problem got worse. Apple also suggests turning down screen brightness. In all honesty, I haven't tried that. But in all honesty, can Apple truthfully say that will fix the problem? After trying practically every possible setting and change between the iPad and router, is screen brightness really going to be the magic fix for Wi-Fi droppage?

I've tried so many settings and resets my mind is boggled. Basically every setting that you can access or change on a router or iPad, whether remotely relevant or not, I've fiddled with in various combinations and degrees. But again, my conclusion is that the iPad is the finicky product, not my router. Nobody who uses my router with a laptop has ever had trouble connecting to the Net. But two iPads have been here and have struggled. The router is putting out the signal. The iPad just doesn't like it. So, as for the suggestion that people with this problem buy new routers -- yeah, right. Can anyone who recommends buying a new router guarantee that it will fix the problem, and if so who can guarantee which router will work? There's nothing in the iPad or router that's beyond the understanding of the right engineer. There are only a limited number of possible causes. If the problem were truly the router, someone would be able to specify exactly what that is and recommend a specific router that's guaranteed to work. Since no one can make that claim, the problem and the onus to fix it falls back on Apple. The warranty obligates Apple to make it right, not me to replace my router.

This stuff is meant to work. A cell phone always works when it's within range of a signal. Nobody says "get a new tower." It just works. I've been through just about every combination of settings and tweaks imaginable between the iPad and the router. As for taking it back, it's past the 14-day return period, so I'll take my chances with trying to get a refund under warranty. I may need to send back a few replacement iPads before Apple gets the picture, but I'll play whatever game I have to.