The Wi-EX zBoost-One (the model I tested was the YX400-P) cell-phone signal booster claims to be a simple, straight-forward solution to your indoor cell phone signal problems. Supposedly it grabs whatever signal you have and “amplifies” it, making your cell phone actually USEABLE in your home or office (about 2,500 square feet). The Wi-EX zBoost-One creates a “Cell-Zone” for up to 4 phones (data cards, too). It’s a good looking unit – about 10” x 9” x 3” with a single button. It’s a take-it-out-of-the-box and plug-it-in set-up. The device then finds whatever signal you have (instructions tell you to place it near a window where you get the best reception). When placed by my window the Wi-Ex zBoost-One showed a full 5 bars. Following the instructions I then placed a call with my cell phone and pressed the “SyncLink” button on the Wi-Ex. It dutifully registered my phone and the green handset indicator turned on. Ah – success!!
Unfortunately, that’s where the good news ends. Before I had unpacked the device I tested two Sprint phones in my home. I tried 14 different locations and noted the bars I received. The results were the same with both phones and over two separate testings. The data were consistent with what I already knew – I had lousy coverage with mostly 1s and 2s with a few 3s. After I setup the Wi-Ex I ran the same test --- with exactly the same results! OUCH!! No effect? Can’t be. What’s wrong? I re-installed and re-tested. Same result. Next stop, my office. Overall, better reception there with mostly 3s and an occasional 4. Again, two separate phones (one actually different from the home test) and two different testings. I installed the Wi-Ex and retested only to find the same result. In desperation I called the company and they immediately sent me a new unit --- good news, right?
WRONG --- received the new unit only to find exactly the same result. So sad because I really WANTED this to work. Bottom line is that it simply has no discernible effect. I suggest you avoid the Wi-EX zBoost-One.
gll
PS – If you’ve had experience with this unit, or a competitive model, please feel free to chime in or let me know by email.
