ArsGeek

I recently had the chance to experiment with Wi-Ex’s zBoost zPersonal Cell Zone Extender, provided by RepeaterStore. What does all that stuff mean? Essentially Wi-Ex is marketing a product for home users to allow them to get an extra bar or two out of their cell phones.

At first blush this may not seem like a godsend. In fact it sounds a bit like those foil doohickeys that are sold by pushcarts in malls. The difference is twofold however. The zBoost will set you back a bit more than a foil strip, and the zBoost actually works.

I have to admit I was a little skeptical with this device. It purported to be easy to set up, easy to use and able to give you a full bar more than you’re used to in your connection. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the previous three points were all true.

On taking the ZP out of the box I found a white box about five inches by six inches with a 20′ mini-coax cable on the end of which was a plastic antenna with suction cups. There was also a power supply with a 6′ cable. That was it.

The deal? You plug it in, place the antenna on a window via the suction cups and then hang out within 6′ of the base unit. If you follow those instructions, you really will get better signal. This means much fewer dropped calls and the ability to do things like download new apps and media over the cellular network of your choice.

In the instructions provided it’s stated that your phone will need to receive at least one bar for this to work effectively. On a lark, I decided to put this product to the test and go beyond the specs listed. I brought the YX-300 to a friends house where no one has ever received a signal. I plugged the unit in, popped the antenna onto a nearby window and I was able to make a call. In fact, while I was experimenting with this unit, my friend received a call in the house – for the first time ever.

Yes, the unit does only have a four to six foot radius which can restrict it a bit if you live or work in a huge space but for the price ($169) and ease of use it would certainly be worth it if you are a victim of low signal strength. It will keep you connected and gabbing. It’s a dual band repeater and it works through wireless, which means it will work with most phones and you don’t have to attach anything to your phone.

The suction cups on the antenna make it very easy to plonk right onto your window and the easy set up means you’ll be talking on your newly boosted cell phone in two minutes or less. If you live or work in a smallish place where you’d really like to talk on your cell but can’t seem to get good reception I think you’ll benefit from this unit. After all, not being able to talk on your cell defeats the whole purpose. Maybe not the longest review I’ve ever written but I can say that the product works as advertised and if it’s something you need, you’ll want to pick it up.

Technorati Tags: cell phone, booster, repeater, extender, yx-300, zboost

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