Chris Pirillo » dropped-call

How Can You Improve Your Cell Phone Reception?

Chris — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 08:50:29 +0000

How Can You Improve Your Cell Phone Reception? is a post from Chris Pirillo

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I am getting used to having dropped calls on the iPhone 3G. This thing drops calls like clockwork. It doesn’t seem like a tower problem. I can be sitting still, and lose a call. Even if the phone shows full signal, it still will drop. I’m hoping the upcoming firmware update will solve some of this. I’ve never had a mobile device with this many issues. What’s a Geek to do to boost reception? When I was given the opportunity to review the Cell Ranger, I could choose between the USB connection, or the kind that plugs into a cigarette lighter in a car. I decided to go with USB for a couple of reasons. For one, I’ve got USB ports everywhere. For another, I have an inverter for my car that will allow me to plug USB devices in while I’m in the car.

The Cell Ranger PORT is a USB powered cellular signal booster. By plugging the Cell Ranger PORT into a USB port you can boost your cell phone signal by up to 2-3 bars. We designed Cell Ranger to be compatible with every cellular network (except Nextel), cell phone, and data card. No matter which cellular service you use, voice or broadband data, you’ll see a significant boost in signal when you plug in the Cell Ranger. In most cases you’ll get 2-3 bars more signal within a 6 foot coverage radius. In our tests, using Cell Ranger with a broadband data card can result in anywhere from 30% to 200% faster download speeds. Cell Ranger is the first truly intelligent cell booster. By using a specially programmed microprocessor, Cell Ranger carefully monitors signal and adjusts to provide optimum signal. Unlike any previous booster, Cell Ranger actively analyzes the signals that your cell phone is sending and receiving. By comparing the signal strength to different towers, Cell Ranger self-tunes to the correct channels, and amplifies only those signals.

Gives 2-3 bars extra signal for any cell phone or 3G data card.

Prevents dropped calls and improves call quality.

Compatible with every carrier in Canada and the US.

Powered by a standard USB port.

No drivers – Cell Ranger only uses USB for power. Optional AC adapter/rechargable battery available..

You don’t want to set this near any kind of magnetic media, like a hard drive. You’d want to stick this on a metallic surface before plugging it in. It will allegedly boost your signal on both 800MGz and 1900MGz reception. I will be trying this out for awhile, and then I’ll let you know how well it works. This video was mostly an introduction to tell you how it works.

A quick test in my office was interesting, to say the least. I plugged it all in, and had trouble connecting to the network. When it wasn’t connected to my iPhone, I had four signal bars. When I plugged it in, I dropped down to two! Basically, either the iPhone sucks, or AT&T does. I’m not giving up on this though. It could just be my office, and all my gadgets interfering. I am going to test it while I’m out and about. I’ll let you know how I fare.

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How to Handle Remote Tech Support

chris@lockergnome.com (Chris Pirillo) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 06:30:00 GMT

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VMware and Parallels for Virtual Machines

chris@lockergnome.com (Chris Pirillo) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 06:30:00 GMT

It doesn't matter if you're running on Windows or Mac OS X - every power user needs either Parallels or VMware (or both). There's never been an easier way to test software without destroying your primary operating system's stability. Think of how many times you wish you could press a 'reverse' button on your computer. Plus, there's no easier way to try new Linux distributions - see what all the fuss is about. Run Windows in OS X, run Linux in Windows, but the best way to do either is with VMware and/or Parallels.

Coupons for Online Shopping

chris@lockergnome.com (Chris Pirillo) — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 07:56:13 GMT

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