eBay retailers are taking advantage of problems with the iPhone 4 to provide their own solution for worldwide shipping.

The so-called "Death Grip" issue, in which users noticed disrupted signals with the iPhone 4 when gripping it with their hands, prompted Apple to respond with a statement advising customers not to touch the black strip on the metal band.

"If you ever experience this on your Phone 4, avoid gripping it in the lower left corner in a way that covers both sides of the black strip in the metal band, or simply use one of many available cases," advised Apple.

The statement has led to a scramble to get "bumper" casings for the handheld device, with some now retailing on online auction site eBay for as much as $100 (£66) - more than three times the $29.99 (£20) that Apple charges.

It is something of a high price to pay even before worldwide shipping costs have been added, but iPhone fanatics who want to enjoy good reception have been left with no other choice.

According to the San Jose Business Journal, Apple has been cited in a class action lawsuit as a result of the signal problems.