The first news is trickling out of CTIA and we’re actually quite impressed with this little bugger. It’s called the Cell Ranger and it’s a USB-powered cellular repeater that improves cell reception almost anywhere.
The Cell Ranger line includes two products: the Cell Ranger STIX is powered by a standard automotive 12 volt power supply; the Cell Ranger PORT is powered by a computer’s USB port and does not require software or drivers. Neither product requires physical connection or “pairing” with the phone. Users simply plug the Cell Ranger unit into the power source and properly place the magnetic antenna. Cell Ranger then automatically detects the closest handset. Cell Ranger can also be used by multiple handsets simultaneously for added convenience.
These little buggers should sell for about $149. We’ve done quite a few posts on cellular repeaters and I’ve found that they markedly improve most “dead zone” situations and even speed up EDGE in some cases.
Nice. What if you hooked up your BB as a modem, and then bought one of these to insure the best, top-quality coverage. You could post from anywhere!
The Cell Ranger product line does look to be an interesting innovation over current cellular repeaters. I understand that they are planning a Home/Small Office version for later this year, but in the meantime it would be interesting to see how they compare to similarly priced current units. Someone should put them head to head with the zBoost zP, which you covered in another one of your posts:
http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/11/23/zboost-yx300-zp-zpersonal-repeater-review/
The Cell Ranger seems to be comparable to the zP in terms of what it claims to do, also price. So which one is better?
The Cell Ranger is great, just tried one out the other day at a friends house.
From what I’ve seen I’d say its got some advantages over that other zBoost you mentioned. It’s smaller, and allows for multiple users at the same time. Everyone in the house had improved signal stength!
I think the amplification is greater too, I was seeing at least 30 dB improvement, while that reviewer was seeing less than 10 dB improvement, but theres alot of stuff that could effect that I guess.
Definitely like the size and price of the cell ranger though!
I agree, just purchased one and reception in my vehicle improved greatly! Would highly recommend.
This product dis not work for me. Zero improvement in signal quality. Worse yet, I sent mine back for a refund 2 weeks ago and still have not yet received it. BEWARE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
worked as advertised for me! set it up right and my signal went up. I even tried it out in my friends basement and was able to use my phone for the first time down there.
Hi! Well I have been reading the comments on the CellRanger, and I am here to tell you, I live in rural West Virginia, and my cell phone never worked ever here. I had to drive up the mountain 3 miles before I ever recieved 1 bar. I ordered CellRanger, and Glory Be!!! I immediately had 4 bars. I was so surprised that I could hardly speak. I called everyone I knew and told them about this great little product. I love it, and I am waiting until the JUICE is ready and I am ordering it also. Love this product, and Friends, [ IT DOES WORK] Thank you CellRanger. You have a customer for life with me.
Did you just say, “Glory be?”
It works on Air Cards as well. I own a business and have tried every Air Data Card out there… AT&T (worst), Verizon (a little better), and Sprint (better yet, but still not great). I was about to give in until my Sprint bought this for me to try and “GLORY BE!!” It be working!
Really– it works. Nuff said.
Hey, i was wondering is this worked …. read some reviews bought it from quantum-wireless.com and to tell you the truth its pretty damn good. does exactly what is says its gonna do, increase 2-3 bars and it was pretty cheap too!!! $89
it works on the internet air card service as well.i had very weak signals but by utilizing this product it has enhanced the internet access speed.