On Monday, Apple released iOS 5.1.1, the latest iOS update since 5.1 which brought a number of bug fixes and battery life fix for the iPhone 4S. The latest free software update is only an incremental upgrade and as expected, brings a number of bug fixes and performance enhancements for the iPhone, iPad, and the iPod touch. The exact details of the update from the Apple website are as follows:

This update contains improvements and bug fixes, including:

• Improves reliability of using HDR option for photos taken using the Lock Screen shortcut
• Addresses bugs that could prevent the new iPad from switching between 2G and 3G networks
• Fixes bugs that affected AirPlay video playback in some circumstances
• Improved reliability for syncing Safari bookmarks and Reading List
• Fixes an issue where ‘Unable to purchase’ alert could be displayed after successful purchase

For information on the security content of this update, please visit this website: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1222

Perhaps one of the biggest bugs in iOS that was fixed by this update was the bug that prevented the iPad from switching between 2G and 3G networks, which could cause either the user to experience very slow data speeds or would force them to shut off 3G and turn it back on in order to bring the network back up.

It’s interesting to note that Apple picks up on minor bugs in iOS and pushes out fixes as quickly as they do. This is likely why iOS is one of more stable mobile operating systems out on the market, tightly controlled by Apple’s ecosystem and managed very well. iOS 5.1.1 is now available and can be downloaded via iTunes or the OTA (Over The Air) feature on all iOS devices running iOS 5 or later.

{via iMore}

A few times a year various entities carry out reliability surveys on key consumer electronics. One of the more respected ones is PC World’s annual service and reliability survey.

Apple (AAPL) has a great record for customer service, and reliability, despite the impression that you may get from the main stream press. And this year is no exception.

With a record 79,000 responses to its survey Apple came top in the laptop and desktop category. There were some more average scores in areas where the iPhone 4 was involved. But a lot of that was related to the Antenna-gate debacle, and occasions where replacing components was not as fast as customers would like.

Asus was close behind Apple in laptops and computers, while Dell for Home and HP for Home brought up the rear in the survey.

Motorola edged out Apple in the smartphone category. They have always made solid devices, it must be said. “Apple fans love the iPhone,” wrote Bertolucci, “but they’re not particularly thrilled with AT&T”

The full survey is worth a read if you have time…

What do you think about the survey findings? Have your say in the comments…