Wilson Electronics Sleek

by Leesa

Wilson Electronics Sleek Cell Phone Signal Booster

Product Information from Wilson Electronics:

Features:

• Reduces dropped calls, extends signal range, and increases data rates
• Built in amplifier boosts signals to and from cell site
• Up to 20 TIMES more output power to cell site when in a vehicle
• Receives weak signals the phone alone may not
• Built-in port for battery charging
• Extends battery life – Amplifier enables phone to work at reduced power
• Simplifies hands free operation
• Installs in minutes – no special tools required
• Package includes everything needed — plug-and-play
• Attractive, compact design
• Adjustable arms to fit most any phone

Kit
Wilson’s new Sleek™ improves both voice and data performance on the road. With 20 times the power to the cell site of a cell phone alone, it features a built-in antenna, battery charging port and works with Cellular (800 MHz) and PCS (1900 MHz) frequencies.

The Wilson Electronics’ Sleek amplifier kit includes:

• Sleek™ all in one cradle combo: amplifier/charger
• Outside vehicle mini magnet-mount antenna
• Cigarette lighter power adapter*
• Installation guide
• 30-day, “No Questions Asked” money-back guarantee
• Limited one-year product warranty

Wilson Electronics provided one of their new, Sleek Cell Phone signal boosters for me to try out.  I live in a fairly remote area of Maine, where cell service is spotty.  When I travel to the north, it is mostly non-existent, primarily in the mountain areas.   I use my phone more for the mapping apps and camera than as a phone, and rely on the mapping for both finding trails and rivers, and also for Geocaching.  Having a decent signal is important.   Not having a decent signal also shortens battery life, which is a problem at times.

Setting up the Sleek Cell Phone Signal Booster in my car was not difficult.  The power supply plugs in to the lighter (or car power supply), the suction mount easily attaches to the windshield, and the antenna sticks to the roof of the car.  I ran the wire inside through the passenger door, and plugged the power into the phone. One wire runs from the antenna to the cradle, and one from the power supply to the phone.  Both wires are long enough to do what they need to, with quite a bit left over. All that was left was to place the phone in the cradle.  Once I got the Sleek set up in my car, I went for a drive.  Right away I noticed that I had a signal in places I usually didn’t have any, or very little.

I can easily see the face of the phone while driving, which makes it easier to follow a map.  Its also nice to know I am not out of contact with family while traveling.  Once I get on a trail, or in my kayak, I put the pieces in my glove box for safe keeping.

Over the next few months I will be using this on numerous outings, while looking at durability and long term use issues.  I am already impressed with how much my battery life has improved because the phone is not constantly searching for a signal.  The real test will be in northern Vermont, where cell service is spotty at best.

UPDATE 10/19/2010

Over the last month or so, I’ve used the Sleek on those occasions when I was traveling out of cell phone signal range.  In northern New England, that is most areas away from the coast, or north of mid-coast Maine.   Northwestern Maine, Northern New Hampshire and Vermont are not areas with reliable signals.  I have found that in areas where there is even a minimal signal, the Sleek boosts it enough to make a quick call, or pull up a map.  I have come to appreciate the added feeling of security the booster provides, when I am traveling in remote areas, although I would not rely on it entirely.  Its a great back up, but unless you already know its going to work in a certain area, I wouldn’t be too sure. In other words, its a great back up, but don’t put yourself in unsafe situations believing it will always work.  It is a great device, but it can’t create a signal, it only boosts what is already there.

One of the things I really do like about it, is its ability to save my cell phone’s battery life.  If I am in an area with a weak signal and I am trying to use the phone, it continuously searches for a better signal, and drains my battery.  With the Sleek, the phone no longer searches non-stop.  I think this may be one of its best features.  It continues to work well, with no durability or use issues.

There is a controversy about the use of boosters, antennas, etc for cell phones.  I’ve started reading about it, and find that there are many opinions on both sides.  One thing that concerned me was the mention that the use of the boosters can interfere with other calls.  (911, etc)  Because I’ve yet to get a clear understanding of this, I carry my booster in my glove box, and only use it when I need it.  If anyone has any accurate information about the legal issues, and would like to leave a comment, I’d love to hear what you have to say.

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