We now have the Wi-Ex zBoost zPersonal YX300 in stock. At just $169, the zBoost YX300 is the cheapest indoor repeater coverage solution currently available. We expect the zBoost zP to introduce repeater products to a larger proportion of the consumer market. The kit is designed for first time users and is extremely easy to install, but the low price and simple design are reflected in the system’s small 6 foot coverage radius.

We have been testing the YX300 in real world situations since we received a test unit from Wi-Ex, and have had very positive results. The performance of the kit depends quite strongly on the signal strength at the window where the unit is installed. With reasonably strong signal at the window, we found that the unit provides significantly improved call coverage and can eliminate dropped calls and voice quality issues. However, we found that it is very important to maintain separation between the window unit and the indoor antenna - the unit oscillates easily and has to be reset each time this happens.

Overall, we recommend the zBoost zP YX300 for users with reception problems and a limited budget, but users who need a larger coverage area should consider installing a larger zBoost YX-510 kit.

A wired version of the zP, called the zBoost zP YX100, is due within the next few months. This will be a wired direct-connect amplifier that will complete Wi-Ex’s low-cost zP repeater line.

For more information and complete specifications visit our zBoost zP YX300 product page.

New EVDO and HSDPA services available from Verizon Wireless, Sprint Nextel, Alltel and Cingular Wireless have made broadband mobile services a reality. But as many users are finding out, the speed of the data connection depends strongly on the signal quality. Data services are considerably more sensitive to errors in transmitting and receiving signals than traditional cellular services, so the same signal that works adequately for a voice call is often incapable of providing reliable broadband signal.

Unfortunately, if there is no EVDO/HSDPA coverage at all in your area, there’s no way of improving the signal. However, if you have at least 1 bar of signal somewhere nearby, it’s possible to use a high gain antenna and repeater to amplify the signal and provide reliable broadband access. Since all of our recommended units are dual-band, they will work with services from any of the major carriers, and will also improve voice signals if used with a normal cell phone.

Here are our recommendations:

Universal wired kit: Wilson Signalboost ($219)
For users who want a mobile solution for their broadband woes, we suggest the Wilson Signalboost Kit. The Signalboost amplifier boosts the broadband signal and channels it through a velcro patch that is stuck directly onto your data card or cell phone. Since the Signalboost uses this easy universal connection method, it can be used with cell phone and data card devices from any manufacturer. The kit comes with a 12V DC Cigarette Adapter as standard, but add a Wilson 12V AC Adapter to make the kit usable anywhere.

Direct Connect kit: SignalWide Clickitbase ($249)
For users who need an additional signal improvement, it’s possible to connect a cell phone repeater directly into the antenna port of their data card or cell phone. For these situations we recommend the SignalWide ClickItBase, which is sold with a custom connector for your phone or data card. The ClickItBase is designed specifically for 3G applications, but will improve all signals.

Wireless kit: Wi-Ex zBoost zPersonal zP ($169)
Wireless Extender’s new zP unit is a very low-cost wireless kit that can be used to cover a radius of up to 6 feet from the indoor antenna. To improve broadband coverage throughout a room or small building, we highly recommend Wireless Extender’s zBoost YX-510 repeater kit. The zBoost YX-510 comes with 35 feet of cabling that connects an outdoor antenna to an indoor unit that amplifies and rebroadcasts the signal. The standard YX-510 kit can cover up to 2,500 square feet from a strong outdoor signal.

We have just added two new premium versions of our single-band Wi-Ex YX500 products. These premium kits include the same amplifier and cables as the standard kits, but add upgraded external antennas. These upgraded kits are recommended for low signal situations (i.e. 3 bars or less outside), but can also be used to extender the coverage area of YX500 products when stronger signal is available.

The zBoost YX500-CEL Premium kit includes an upgraded YX026-CEL Yagi Antenna, and the YX500-PCS Premium Kit includes the YX023-PCS panel antenna.

Wilson Electronics recently announced the 801247 Signalboost Desktop DT, a new dual-band repeater kit called that competes directly with other low-priced dual-band kits such as the zBoost YX-510 and Digital Antenna DA4KSBR-50U.

The new 801247 Signalboost Desktop DT is a complete kit that includes a 50dB dual-band amplifier very similar in specifications to the Wilson 801245 SOHO Desktop. This Signalboost DT is available as a complete kit with a 5dB gain cradle antenna (for a total of 55dB of system gain) and 50 feet of 75-ohm RG6 cabling. This is the first Wilson product to use 75-ohm cabling, and the switch means that the system can be easily extended with RG-6 cables available at any electronics retailer. The 801247 is also the first complete wireless kit sold by Wilson - a departure from their usual model of selling kit components separately.

As the first complete dual band in-door kit manufactured by Wilson, we expect this to be a very popular product. There is no word on pricing as of yet, but you can find all the details and availability information on our store’s product page: Wilson 801247 Signalboost Desktop DT.

We’ve just added a new “premium” version of our popular Wilson SOHO 801245 Kit. This kit adds an extra 20ft LMR400 cable and swaps the Wilson 301101 antenna for a dual-band fiberglass omni-directional M54 antenna. The premium kit’s upgraded antenna allows the SOHO kit to work in lower signal situations and improves the system’s total coverage gain.

Compare our different Wilson SOHO kits at this page: Wilson 801245 Premium SOHO Kit