SignalBoost Mobile Professional Amplifier Kit
Starting at: $131.94
CNET Editors' Review
CNET Editors' Rating
- Reviewed by: Kent German
- Released on:
- Reviewed on:
The good: The Mobile Professional Amplifier delivers a powerful signal boost to your cell phone. Also, it offers a compact design and easy setup.
The bad: The Wilson Electronics SignalBoost Mobile Professional Amplifier won't work with Nextel phones.
The bottom line: If you can afford it, the Wilson Electronics SignalBoost Mobile Professional Amplifier is an ideal way to improve your cell phone reception.
If we ever need an industrial-strength cell phone-signal booster, Wilson Electronics would be one of the first places we'd look. Over the last couple of years, we've discovered that company is a reliable source for improving your cell phone reception--whether you're a trucker who makes runs through rural areas or you just can't get a signal in your house or office. The first Wilson product we tested worked great, but we didn't like that it required a wired connection to your phone. When we reviewed the second amplifier 9 months later, we liked that it ... Expand full review
If we ever need an industrial-strength cell phone-signal booster, Wilson Electronics would be one of the first places we'd look. Over the last couple of years, we've discovered that company is a reliable source for improving your cell phone reception--whether you're a trucker who makes runs through rural areas or you just can't get a signal in your house or office. The first Wilson product we tested worked great, but we didn't like that it required a wired connection to your phone. When we reviewed the second amplifier 9 months later, we liked that it used a wireless connection, but the overall design remained clunky.
To its credit, Wilson seems to have paid attention to our comments. Its latest product, the SignalBoost Mobile Professional Amplifier, has a compact and intuitive design and delivers good performance to your handset through a wireless connection. Cell phones aren't the only device to benefit, as the Mobile Professional also can boost reception to your laptop data card through a USB cable. At $269.95, the Mobile Professional won't come cheap, but it's worth the price if you really need an improved signal.
The Mobile Professional consists of several parts: the amplifier itself, a stubby external antenna with an attached cord, a power cord/USB cable, a car power adapter, and a wall plug. Though that may sound like a lot to assemble, setup is quick and straightforward. Unlike with Wilson's other products, the Mobile Professional's amplifier isn't a heavy and bulky metal box; instead, it measures just 4.75 inches tall by 2.0 inches wide by 1.0 inch deep. At that size, there's no need to stash it clumsily under your car seat, as we had to do previously. Thanks to the included metal bracket with built-in suction cups, you can attach the amplifier discretely on the dashboard, window, or any convenient surface. It's a far less clunky arrangement, and you can bring all the parts on the go with you in the included carrying bag.
After you've secured the amplifier in your chosen location, you should find a place for the 4-inch external antenna. The best location will depend on where you're using the Mobile Professional; if you're in a car, you should secure it to the roof, and if you're in a building, you should find a location near a window. The base of the antenna is magnetic, so it should remain secure while you're driving. Also, you can use the aforementioned bracket to position the antenna on a wall or window. Keep in mind that the antenna requires a wired connection to the amplifier. That won't be a problem in a building, but in a car it can be a bit cumbersome. It can also be a bit unsightly, since you must pass the cord through a window, but that's the price you pay for improved reception.
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As a senior managing editor for CNET, Kent German heads up the CNET Reviews team in San Francisco. Formerly a cell phone reviewer, he still blogs about wireless news and offers his take on the wireless industry. When not at work, he's planning his next trip to Australia, going for a run, or watching planes land at the airport (yes, really).
User Reviews
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Showing 3 of 5 reviews
"Not Worth It...At All" By jeeves86
Pros: None. Nada. Zilch.
Cons: 1. Doesn't work. Followed the instructions to a t, even kept my phone right next to it. Didn't work.
2. Expensive
Summary: It just doesn't work. Anything that does actually work is unfortunately prohibitively expensive. Followed the directions to a t - just couldn't get this thing to work. Not worth the time fiddling with it or the money spent on it.
"Great product!" By jpcarlo
Pros: Will extend the range of available cell service. Will make calls clearer and less likely to drop in marginal areas. Essentially, it turns an unusable but minimal "zero bar" signal into 1-2 bars, enough to make and receive calls.
Cons: You must keep the amplifier unit quite close to your phone - I've found a few inches, and no more than a foot, is best. The device will not work if you have no signal at all; there will still be dead spots, though they'll be smaller.
Summary: I purchased the Wilson Mobile Professional after a car breakdown in an area without cell phone reception.
It works great in the car, but I now have it set up in my apartment, where cellular reception isn't good either. I then purchased a cradle-style amplifier (the Sleek) for use ... Expand full review
