Review: Wireless Extenders Cell Phone Booster

digitalslack · #1 10-26-2006 -

Wireless Extenders Cell Phone Booster

Verdict:
Works as advertised. There was a noticeable increase in the number of sustained bars on two of the phones tested. The problem with dropped calls was eliminated.

Pros:
- Compact
- Easy to setup
- Visible increase in signal strength
- Fewer dropped calls
- Lights on the unit will blink when you are using the phone.

Cons:
- A little on the pricy side but it's still not much higher than the cost to break contract with the carrier and go with one that has signal in the area.
- Only a 35 foot cable. For my setup that isn't too much of a problem but for others they might need more. If that's the case make sure you get the same cable type to avoid signal loss.
- There's a maximum coverage of 2,000 sq ft so for larger houses or offices you might still experience dead areas.
- I did have some inital problems with the boosted signal dropping out. For some reason red lights would show up on the device periodically. When I rebooted it things were fine. I haven't had a chance to figure out what might be causing that. When I get more information I'll update this thread.

URL: www.wirelessextenders.com but for purchases go to TigerDirect.com it's almost $70 USD cheaper there.

Price: $229.00 USD @ TigerDirect.com

Overall rating: 4 (out of 5)

Information:
- I'm not sure that this is the best solution for a large office. It really feels more like a home or small business solution.
- Be careful to check the supported network types. This one supports Network Formats: CDMA, GSM, and TDMA AMPS, GPRS, EDGE, 1xRTT, EVDO. There are other model that support other networks as well as a new device being released soon that supports all of them. The Dual-Band model costs $399.00 USD. If you are curious about what type you need to purchase you can call up the manufacturer at 800-871-1612 or email them at support@wi-ex.com. Just tell them what area you are in. Some carrier's use different bands depending on your location.

For the PDF datasheet click here.

This information section is a work in progress. I haven't installed the device completely yet. Right now the antenna is running across the bedroom and hanging out the upstairs window. When I mount and wire it all up this weekend I'll provide photos and more information.

**I7oobie** · #2 10-26-2006 -

Good review Slack! Wow, today has been review day on the stacks!

takeshi · #3 10-26-2006 -

Yikes... I certainly wouldn't recommend Tiger Direct to anyone, based on both personal experiences with TD andd http://www.resellerratings.com/seller1983.html

digitalslack · #4 10-26-2006 -

Quote:

Originally Posted by takeshi

Yikes... I certainly wouldn't recommend Tiger Direct to anyone, based on both personal experiences with TD and http://www.resellerratings.com/seller1983.html

really? I have used them for years and have had no problems. I even accidently ordered the wrong version of this product (the PCS to cover the 1900MHz band) and TD let me return it with no questions asked. I did have to pay for the returns shipping but that's fine. There are other vendors out there though

TD was just my choice and they are cheaper than the vendor's website. The review wasn't of TigerDirect

Lewis · #5 10-26-2006 -

~via BB (wap.pinstack.com)~

Great review!

This good news for anyone who has poor coverage, and won't likely get any better from their carrier not expanding the network.

And, at the price, it's cheaper than a home phone for a year, so it pays for itself! (If it works for you.)

Moridar · #6 10-26-2006 -

~via BB (wap.pinstack.com)~nice. Would be a great addition in my apt as there is weak coverage here. 2 bars on a good day.

pratikdoshi · #7 10-26-2006 -

thats niceeee

**flash24** · #8 10-26-2006 -

great review.. but it's too expensive.

digitalslack · #9 10-27-2006 -

Quote:

Originally Posted by flash24

great review.. but it's too expensive.

the price at tiger direct actaully dropped about 10 bucks in a week.
i'd honestly expect to see the prices come down even more

Lewis · #10 10-28-2006 -

~via BB (wap.pinstack.com)~

If you don't have adequate signal wherever you are, and this device solves that problem, it's actually not expensive at all!

It's far less than a year of landline service. So buy that device with a one-time fee, or pay forever for a landline that you probably didn't want anyway.

digitalslack · #11 10-28-2006 -

my signal is still a little shaky right now. i haven't had a chance to actually mount the device outside the house. it's just hanging out the window. I bet i get an even better signal once I take the time to do that.
at least now i can talk on the phone without going outside

alonesoul · #12 11-13-2006 -

I too am in dire need of a device like this. Any status updates? I was looking at this device also.

Quote:

Originally Posted by digitalslack

my signal is still a little shaky right now. i haven't had a chance to actually mount the device outside the house. it's just hanging out the window. I bet i get an even better signal once I take the time to do that.
at least now i can talk on the phone without going outside

justajason · #13 12-24-2007 -

Well I just ordered it from one of the sites listed on amazon. And it appears to be the product I need to use in the shop.

earthskater · #14 02-23-2009 -

I prefer this website Unwired Signal (unwiredsignal.com), they specialize in cell phone signals, and not only do they have affordable pricing (better than Tiger Direct), but also free customer service. Call them and give them the exact details of your cell phone signal booster situation and they will recommend exactly the right product for you. Here is the link to their signal booster category FYI:
unwiredsignal.com/?c=132&cn=Building+Cellular+Signal+Boosters

**MotoUp** · #15 02-23-2009 -

Great review. That just might work for me. I have excellent reception EVERYWHERE I go, except in my house.