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Cell phones: Smart phone use with weak signal
Smart phone use with weak signal
by Bill Osler - 7/18/09 1:31 PMI live in a semi-rural area with fairly weak signal from all providers inside both my home and my office, though reception outside those buildings is usually OK. I'm trying to choose a 'smart phone' product but nothing I've found so far really meets my needs. I have to have data access for updates on an application (ePocrates) that I currently run on my Palm TX. The Palm TX can do its updates via either a data cable on my PC or my home Wi-Fi connection, but I've discovered that a lot of 'smart phones' don't have Wi-Fi. I don't know whether smart phones can access data via a cable to a networked PC.
I strongly prefer to stick with Verizon for cost reasons (it's heavily subsidized by my employer if I use Verizon). The ideal phone (which may not exist) would have both CDMA (Verizon's default) and quad band GSM (for occasional international use), Wi-Fi, a decent camera, calendaring capable of syncing with my desktop, good reception with weak signals, and the ability to run ePocrates applications (most smartphones from Palm, most Windows Mobile phones, and most Blackberries will work). Are there any phones like that?
But there may be another solution. The Blackberry Storm seems to meet all of my requirements EXCEPT the Wi-Fi. Samsung Omnia (good camera, no GSM) or Samsung Saga come close but I don't think either has Wi-Fi. I don't think Verizon offers any Palm smart phones at present.
I have to have data access to update the ePocrates application, which is why I need Wi-Fi ... UNLESS I can find a good way to improve reception. I have heard about cellular repeaters/signal boosters which might work since I can generally get fair reception in my attic. I just can't get it in my house.
Does anybody have any experience with cell signal boosters?
Or does anybody know of a phone that meets all of the requirements of my ideal phone?
Thanks.
Just warning.
by R. Proffitt
- 7/18/09 1:45 PM
In reply to: Smart phone use with weak signal by Bill Osler
2009 appears to the last year any Palm OS phone or pda will be available from cell phone companies. But that's no issue as I see Epocrates has versions for Palm(which you noted), Windows Mobile, iPhone, and BlackBerry.
Since models change weekly it seems I'll leave you to your hunt but wanted you to hear "The End Is Nigh."
Bob
I don't much like Palm anyway ...
by Bill Osler - 7/18/09 1:53 PM In reply to: Just warning. by R. Proffitt
Although the Palm Pre received some positive reviews, and it more-or-less runs ePocrates, I have had enough of Palm so I can't say that I'm surprised or particularly disappointed that their phones are going away. Although I like the things I can do with my Palm, I have not been impressed with the build quality. I'm on my second TX, and both have failed in exactly the same way (power switch stopped working). Also, IMO, the customer support stinks. I'll just limp along with a crippled TX until I choose a smart phone and hope that I can make the choice work out OK.
You don't by chance happen to have any experience with repeaters/signal boosters?
Say did you try the old disconnect the battery trick?
by R. Proffitt - 7/18/09 2:05 PM
In reply to: I don't much like Palm anyway ... by Bill Osler
Not for the faint but the E2 suffers from that too. Given enough time the battery runs down and then you apply power, wait 10 or so minutes and press the reset. But that takes months! So the battery unplug is the real quick cure.
The only booster I used with regularity is the WindSurfer you see at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOBfxbpxosA
I like this one since it's something you can do almost everywhere.
The video continues on with more complex solutions.
Bob
Hadn't tried that.
by Bill Osler - 7/18/09 4:19 PM In reply to: Say did you try the old disconnect the battery trick? by R. Proffitt
Since the Palm powers down after a few minutes of inactivity it DOES take a long time to drain the battery. What you described MIGHT work since it would allow me to do a hard reset ... but then again it might not. It depends on what is wrong with the switch.
In any case, the switch isn't the only problem with the device. A couple of months after I received the second TX it developed a screen problem. It is mostly usable but there is a non-functional vertical stripe down the screen that interferes with legibility of whatever text is in the center of the display. Tech support told me the only solution was to repair/replace the screen. I had purchased the extended warranty that includes a replacement unit that is supposed to be shipped BEFORE I return the TX because I use the thing EVERY DAY. Despite multiple conversations with tech support they repeatedly insisted that I had to return my TX for repair and that no replacement would be shipped because the extended warranty terms only applied after the original warranty ran out?? I should note that there was NO such provision in the extended warranty. Most of the tech support folks were apparently either clueless or downright dishonest. One of them actually did agree that I was probably right about the terms of the extended warranty but he still wouldn't authorize shipment of the replacement. I got pretty steamed about the whole process.
Anyway, since I'm eligible for a phone upgrade I think my best option is to find a phone/PDA replacement that allows me to send the TX to its appropriate destination in the trash. That would also allow me to tote around one less piece of electronics. I mostly liked the Palm's functionality when I got it, but IMO if the company fails they won't have anybody to blame but themselves.
Do the OTHER buttons power it up?
by R. Proffitt - 7/18/09 8:50 PM
In reply to: Hadn't tried that. by Bill Osler
There are 4 hard buttons on the E2 and TX and when this issue occurs the power button and the 4 hard buttons do not power it up like before.
Bob
Yes, they sort of work ...
by Bill Osler - 7/19/09 4:28 AM In reply to: Do the OTHER buttons power it up? by R. Proffitt
Actually, there are 5 buttons if you count the one in the center of the 4-way switch. They USUALLY work, but not predictably. Sometimes I have to push several times before the Palm turns on.
Once it is on it seems to work OK aside from the screen problem.
Not long ago.
by R. Proffitt - 7/19/09 4:44 AM
In reply to: Yes, they sort of work ... by Bill Osler
Remember I wrote and maintain some commercial Palm applications so I've seen a lot of issues around this.
For years we would see button failures on all sorts of devices but the Palm's unique design where we had 4 or more buttons that could wake the devices means that we can assign apps to the key and forgo the power button. In fact why would we really need that?
If the other buttons wake the PDA then the battery disconnect is not called for.
Bob
An aid to the quest
by Bill Osler - 7/20/09 5:37 AM In reply to: Just warning. by R. Proffitt
While looking for something else I stumbled across this guide that purports to recommend the 'best' cell phone based on a 'short' questionnaire regarding user preferences. I do not know how up-to-date it is:
http://cellphones.about.com/od/buyersguides/qt/best_cell_phone.htm
I frequently found myself at a loss answering the questions. For example, although I've never used a 'slide' type phone or a 'candy bar' type phone I have a hard time imagining why the form factor would make much difference. I'm MUCH more interested in functionality than in form factor. Also, the thing that matters most to me (ability to run ePocrates) doesn't show up on quizzes like this.
Given those limitations, I was surprised to find that the Verizon phones the process recommended for me were similar to what I had already figured out:
Omnia, Saga and Curve are phones I have considered, and all showed up on the list. I'm not sure why the Storm didn't appear on the list.
Because the storm is newer (n/t)
by Pepe7 - 7/20/09 8:10 AM In reply to: An aid to the quest by Bill Oslern/t
No phone can really cure your issue per se
by Pepe7 - 7/19/09 9:15 PM In reply to: Smart phone use with weak signal by Bill OslerWhat you need to do is first evaluate whether or not you can pull in a halfway decent signal on top of your home vs. indoors. Literally, grab a ladder and cellular phone and see what happens. If so, then you will have to install a repeater/amplifier/antenna to bring indoors what you experience outside on the roof. It's a Ballpark cost of $500+ for a SOHO like system for a couple of rooms. At that point you could then test out the various smartphones issued by Verizon to gain the work discount [smart move, btw- I do the same w/ ATT ;)] Wilson probably makes the best equipment for utilizing a weak wireless signal in the manner you require. Here's a link to a product I had in mind:
http://www.alternativewireless.com/cellular-antennas/wilson-antennas/wilson_cellular_amplifiers/wilson-soho-dualband-cellular-amplifier-repeater.html
Something a bit stronger-
http://www.wpsantennas.com/wilsoncellularcompletebuildingamplifierrepeatersystemfor800mhzcellular.aspx
Beyond that, you could investigate whether or not Verizon is offering any femto cells yet in your area. Basically, you'd be connecting a small router-like device to your current broadband router/mode. and it would provide cellular coverage inside your home for a monthly fee.
Of course the antenna/repeater solution is cheaper over time but perhaps has technical limitations based on your particular structure/outside signal. Femto cells don't have these as much and can cover an entire home.
hth,
Pedro
Ouch!
by Bill Osler - 7/20/09 5:26 AM In reply to: No phone can really cure your issue per se by Pepe7It's annoying to think that I might have to spend THAT MUCH money in order to be able to use a phone at home just because most of the available 'smart phones' don't have WiFi. Oh well. If it weren't for the data issues with a smart phone I wouldn't care that much because when I'm at home I don't have to use the cell phone. I can use my land line.
Once I get over the sticker shock I'll have to take a harder look at the repeaters. I had not heard of the Femtocell device before, and it looks like that would be MUCH cheaper than a repeater, though it would be a bit less versatile. I do not know (yet) if that is an option in my area. My impression from the Verizon web site is that there is an up-front purchase cost but no ongoing monthly service charge. There is one other 'gotcha' to that. Downstairs, where I need it most, I don't always get a good GPS lock with my Garmin. Sometimes it can pick up satellites, sometimes it can't. The Verizon device requires a GPS fix to function, probably to guarantee it cannot be used outside of the US. It seems that would be a major limitation to its usefulness indoors. Shoot, there's times I can't even get a GPS lock inside a large vehicle, much less indoors.
I suspect a repeater would work if installed properly. Outside at ground level I usually get 2-3 bars. Last time I tried to use my phone in the attic I got a pretty good signal (3-4 bars IIRC) as opposed to 1 bar upstairs and 0-1 bar downstairs. I can usually do text messaging from upstairs but call quality is awful. Unfortunately, calling from the attic is not at all practical, especially in the summertime in North Carolina.
One problem with a cellular repeater is that I'm not terribly handy with construction type stuff. If I have to hire somebody to help with the installation then the cost goes WAY up. The best approach from a signal strength perspective would probably be to put the 'outdoor' antenna in the attic and the indoor antenna on the downstairs ceiling but I don't know how I would accomplish that.
Due diligence on Verizon Network Extender
by Pepe7 - 7/20/09 8:37 AM In reply to: Ouch! by Bill OslerBill-
I just did a little reading 
.
It would appear as though the network extender sold by Verizon does not have a month service fee- so you were correct(!) That's nice, actually. Also, the lack of a signal on your Garmin indoors probably doesn't mean you absolutely cannot receive a GPS signal with this unit. It supposedly comes with a small antenna which gets attached to a window so the A-GPS can function for E911 purposes. IOW, I'm guessing your Garmin doesn't have such an external antenna connected to a window, hence the lack of a signal. YMMV, of course. FWIW, at my house I have very large trees in the vicinity of my home and near some windows I can still get an (albeit, weak) fix on GPS satellites.
Your employer might even subsidize or provide a discount on the femto cell if you ask. Some limitatons are that it does not work with either EVDO or their LBS (location based services). Probably won't affect you though since you stated you already have broadband/wifi.
Regarding handsets, the HTC Ozone running 6.1 has wifi and is listed now for $119 for a 2 yr contract price. It has not only CDMA for Verizon in the U.S. but is *quad band* GSM/EDGE under the hood for your trips abroad. At some point you could contact CS for a subsidy unlock code for use with pre-paid SIM cards/service outside the U.S. (or ATT/T-Mo if you wanted).
http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/store/controller?item=phoneFirst&action=viewPhoneDetail&selectedPhoneId=4848
There are some more fully equipped HTC phones as well running WM6.1. It's really too bad either the Touch Pro or Diamond through Verizon also do not have GSM/EDGE since they have much nicer/larger touch screens.
hth,
Pedro
Thanks, I'll have to check out the Ozone.
by Bill Osler - 7/20/09 8:52 AM In reply to: Due diligence on Verizon Network Extender by Pepe7I wish it were easier to find the relevant phones. Verizon does have some search capabilities but one of the features relevant for me (WiFi) is not one of the search criteria they support. Oh well.
But the Ozone looks promising at first glance. Thanks.
Not many w/ wifi
by Pepe7 - 7/20/09 10:15 AM In reply to: Thanks, I'll have to check out the Ozone. by Bill OslerSamsung Omnia
Samsung Saga * (*also quad band GSM/EDGE)
HTC Ozone
HTC Touch Pro
HTC Diamond
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