It looks like form over function backfired last week when Apple was “forced” to address the public last week regarding its iPhone 4 antennae reception issue. Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO, noted that all mobile devices have reception issues. But it was clear the iPhone 4 had a real reception issue due to the placement of the receiving apparatus.

As a designer I love beautiful things. But when it comes to sending and receiving data I’d rather have function over form which is why I don’t own an iPhone. I simply need to have reliable data and voice connections. I can’t fly to NY and have a bunch of dropped calls. So that’s why I’m on a Motorola Droid on the Verizon network.

Not to sound like an advertisement for either brand but I have yet to experience memorable dropped calls in my time with Verizon. But I will say that the Droid has zero aesthetic qualities and the Android Marketplace is more of a flea market than a nicely executed retail store like the App Store but function won me over in this case.

But, as soon as Verizon and Apple come together I’ll drop the Droid faster than its red eye start screen can say, “DROOOOIIIIIIDDDDD”! Because a beautiful device with an awesome user experience AND great functionality (as far as connectivity goes) is the sweet spot all product companies should achieve.

Nokia and RIM’s recent comments dumping on Apple however illuminates more of their desire to build cheap and unattractive devices more so than stating they have superior products. After all both brands are attempting to copy Apple’s UI and UX. Let’s not forget that Apple revolutionized the smart phone device segment. And they did that by creating a device that had great looks, smart functionality, and amazing apps.

I would offer though that Apple focus on making good looking stuff that also is functional and when they have to decide between form over function, let function win over but not without exhausting all efforts to marry the two.

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