Can a $100 iPad Case Improve 3G Data Power? ⇥

Jon Phillips, writing for Wired:

A company called Pong Research is spreading word of a proximity sensor inside the iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G that reduces the tablet’s 3G radio output by some 6 dBm, or about three-quarters of its total transmission strength.

Apple doesn’t mention the proximity sensor in any of its marketing materials or user manuals, and it declined to comment for this article.

So what is Pong’s stake in the game? The company specializes in third-party iPhone and iPad cases marketed as providing consumers with additional protection from the electromagnetic radiation emitted by their devices. As a side benefit, Pong’s iPad 3G case purportedly doesn’t trip the proximity sensor. Other third-party cases, Pong says, trip the sensor and leave the user with reduced 3G power.

I know what you’re thinking. I know you think that this is all a load of crap. You should read this product review. It’s amazing.