Some mainstream media outlets have raised the sensationalist specter of an iPhone 4 recall as something Apple should consider/must do/will do at Friday’s press conference.

To that, we’d just like to remind them and everyone else that anyone who has the antenna problem, the proximity sensor problem, or just wants to return their iPhone 4 to Apple is still within the 30 day period to do so, and Apple has waived the usual restocking fee. That means anyone unhappy with iPhone 4 to the point of wanting Apple to take it back can already walk right in and give it back.

Sure, it’s not the same thing as a recall, or a free bumper, or having Apple genius’ squirt invisible insulation over the antenna juncture, but it’s reality today and for another week and a half to come.

When Apple began their recall program for the iPhone 3G AC adapters, some noted that the massive packaging the new adapters were sent in seemed to be running in stark opposition to Apple’s newly stated “greener” goals.

Ginormous would be one word for them. Wasteful, another.

Could things have changed however? While we received three of the huge boxes only a couple of weeks ago, this week we received two much smaller padded envelopes instead. Did Apple and/or their shipping company respond to the concerns, or just realize how insane the previous packaging was?

Anybody else getting the newer, slimmed-down packaging? Anyone still getting the huge boxes?

Remember that recall on the ultra-compact iPhone 3G AC power adapters? Well, today’s the official day to go by your local Apple store and swap your old broken for the new, er… not broken.

Sure, some of you may have placed your orders via the web already, but if you planned on hoofing it over there in person, it’s time to get with a hoofing.

Let us know how your exchange goes!

The reason for the recall? Apple is saying that the metal prongs may break off and remain embedded in the power outlet which creates a risk of electrical shock. Apple strongly states that users should stop using these adapters until they are exchanged for the new version. The exchange program starts October 10th so Apple suggests charging via USB on your computer until then.

It hurts to say but it looks like us early adopters for the iPhone 3G got bit hard. Previous Apple products had all these little nuggets that made Apple a breath of fresh air in a stale PC-world. But with the iPhone 3G it seemed like all the adorable qualities that made Apple, Apple, got lost and got worse. Luckily it looks like Apple is tidying the ship on all of these issues.

Click the Read Link to see the full details directly from Apple.

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