Database Users

Get WIFI Version Now or Wait For 3G Version

I plan to use the Nexus 10 mostly at home on WIFI but would like the option of using it away from home, especially on holiday and cannot ever see me using it as a phone, so I just need Internet access.
I'm considering getting a MIFI which I can use when not at home and it will allow me to connect up to 5 devices and I can position the MIFI in the best place for reception whilst I use the devices where it is most comfortable. Also the reception on a MIFI seems better and you can add an antenna to improve it further.
I've tried using my phone as a hot spot on holiday but the reception indoors was not good enough.
So I'm planning to get the WIFI version and buy a MIFI for mobile use and not bother waiting for the 3g version to come out.
The difference in cost between the WIFI version plus MIFI and a 3G version is probably not much.
Has anyone else tried a MIFI + Antenna with an Android tablet and if so which one and how well did it perform?

Any reason to not just set up a phone as a mobile hotspot?

Randomwalker said:
Any reason to not just set up a phone as a mobile hotspot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The indoor reception on holiday was not good enough.

I don't want a 3g tablet so no waiting for me.
I have a 4g mobile hotspot that I can use when I need internet away from regular wifi.It is Verizon so is fast and works with everything instead of haveing several devices on a plan.It is so small I can stick it in a pocket if I needed to and have wifi anywhere on anything instead of just one device.

Unlimited LTE (w/Verizon) + FoxFi = WiFi version for me.

will it be a 3G version!?
Where have u seen that? im waiting for the 3G version as well.. its a must have to my needs :good:

rjmpires said:
will it be a 3G version!?
Where have u seen that? im waiting for the 3G version as well.. its a must have to my needs :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
3G? what is this? Apple? Why not 4G?

mg2380 said:
Unlimited LTE (w/Verizon) + FoxFi = WiFi version for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the FoxFi tip of which looks useful.

Gaugerer said:
Thanks for the FoxFi tip of which looks useful.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem! Used it for the first time the other night and it worked great! I believe Sprint & AT&T have it blocked on the Play Store (if you use them). Here's the direct link to get around that http://foxfi.com/bin/
Also, WiFi mode does not work with 4.1 (except on the Verizon Galaxy Nexus). Hopefully they're working on a fix for that...

Gaugerer said:
The indoor reception on holiday was not good enough.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So what makes you think you'd get any better reception with the Nexus 10 if your phone isn't getting reception either? IMHO, data plans on these devices are a complete and total scam/waste of money. Get the wifi version and tether on your phone. If you are grandfathered into VZW or have the T-Mo/Sprint Unlimited plans you are golden. ATT throttles so screw them.

scottyd035ntknow said:
So what makes you think you'd get any better reception with the Nexus 10 if your phone isn't getting reception either? IMHO, data plans on these devices are a complete and total scam/waste of money. Get the wifi version and tether on your phone. If you are grandfathered into VZW or have the T-Mo/Sprint Unlimited plans you are golden. ATT throttles so screw them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I was on holiday in my flat in Spain I had to take my Note One outside on a balcony to get 3g. So I'm hoping that a MIFI with an aerial option placed on the balcony will enable me to stay inside and get 3g.
Also I have a 7.7 and a laptop which also had difficulty getting 3g inside the flat and a MIFI might solve that too with no extra cost.
An MIFI solution will not cost any more than a 3g Nexus 10 which I would need to wait for and I don't want to use the Nexus 10 for making phone calls.
The other reason I like the MIFI solution is that I can go out with my phone and the Nexus 10, 7.7 and laptop can still be used by others in the flat.

I had the same dilemma with the TF101. Luckily I didn't wait for the 3G version in the end as it was released months later.
I'm very happy with a MiFi device. Its on a 30 day contract (1GB for £7 per month) and best of all my tablet isn't consuming extra power running a 3G aerial. I use it every day for 3 hours on the train and charge it every few days.
The signal is also far better then my S3 and S2. But I guess it's designed to keep a high speed data connection open at all times.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

But is there any information about a Nexus 10 with 3G/LTE capabilities???

Again, tether your 4G/LTE phone and connect via wifi for 4G speeds. If you are on an unlimited plan you'll have unlimited LTE going straight to it. If you are an unrooted phone learn to root and use FoxFi or install a custom rom with the wifi tethering baked in. If you have an iCrap it should already have the tethering option IIRC.

Android 4.1 Smartphone Called CUBOT A8809

I found a android 4.1 OS phone, dual core mtk 6577 3G smartphone 4.7 inch screen
they call cubot A8809, selling only $173.49. free shipping.
This link:http://www.mcbub.com/item/CUBOT-A88...Android-4-0-GPS-3G-WIFI--8-0MP-Camera-152607/
how do you think guys?

Specs are nice, price can be found elsewhere too
I like the specs; but it can be found at the same price elsewhere (for example here)...
Until a couple of weeks ago, I was very sceptical towards buying a cheap smartphone, but I've had some good experience with the Huawei Ascend 300G...

Wemelboy said:
I like the specs; but it can be found at the same price elsewhere (for example here)...
Until a couple of weeks ago, I was very sceptical towards buying a cheap smartphone, but I've had some good experience with the Huawei Ascend 300G...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh ye the same price.
huawei_ascend_g300 is a good one and many good review but expensive than this one.

wslimk said:
oh ye the same price.
huawei_ascend_g300 is a good one and many good review but expensive than this one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh ye website you suggest GEEKBUYING.COM has updated a review and video.
I decide buy from them now
finish night work back home sleep....

i got it's fast and pretty design
real android 4.1 OS that's cool
love it

I've bought some I phone clone on early model and had bad experience, reception was horrible, I think I stick with the real thing

wslimk said:
i got it's fast and pretty design
real android 4.1 OS that's cool
love it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CAn you say how is the battery life??...is it really 2500 mah or some fake??
And how is the camera? Is it really 8mp or 5mp one?

the battery is soso, some times it can last one and half day, but you must charge it every day, when i play games or watch video from youtube, cant last one day, maybe 7-8 hours.
the camera is good as geekbuying shows, it is clear and sensitive.

Just wondering has anyone tried this phone in North America? It says it supports WCDMA 850/1900/2100 MHz so technically 3G should work in North America. Just want to confirm before ordering.

At&t 3g should work...but tmobile 3g wont
Sent from my Nexus 10 using xda premium

Manan79 said:
At&t 3g should work...but tmobile 3g wont
Sent from my Nexus 10 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably depends on whether it's used in an area T-Mobile has refarmed. They have 3G on 1900 in many metro areas now.

Was going to buy but payment page is not secure

amandez said:
Was going to buy but payment page is not secure
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Click to collapse
paypal? are you serious?

Guessing you haven't heard the PayPal horror stories?

amandez said:
Guessing you haven't heard the PayPal horror stories?
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Click to collapse
hahah, and how do you pay on internet?

Using trusted sites and my bank card

amandez said:
Using trusted sites and my bank card
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
500000000 people in world know that using bank card for online international payments is unsafe. You are crazy. Learn what paypal is and how it works first

Mini-Review from an AT&T user in the US:
I bought one of these for my wife (I figured it was a good trade --- Just kidding.) I don't feel like committing to AT&T for another 2 years.
I bought it from Geekbuying.com. It arrived in only a few days.
It seemed to have the best specs, and the correct frequencies for AT&T in the US. For these types of phones, the dual core MTK6577 SoC is actually not a bad chip.
I can confirm that it does report an "H" connection (HSDPA) almost everyplace an AT&T signal is available.
My Acer Iconia Smart (HSDPA 900 / 1900 / 2100 non-US version) Rarely connects as 3G since it does not have 850 HSDPA.
She only uses the 1 SIM. I have a T-Mobile SIM/Account I use for testing, but since it is her phone, I have not tested it on T-Mobile. T-Mobile 3G may actually work, at least in some areas, since as part of the failed takeover of T-Mobile by AT&T, they have a 7 year frequency-sharing agreement. With Quad Band GSM/GPRS, Calls, and 2G data will work fine on T-Mobile.
Performance is also good. Switching Apps, scrolling on the browser, returning to home screen all happen without any irritating delays.
It is a very clean and stable version of Android 4.1.1. Google Play is present, but see below for a problem. Force closes are rare to never.
The screen is beautiful for a Chinese phone. Overall the phone also looks very nice for the price (I bought her the white one.)
Call quality, Mobile signal, and WiFi are also all excellent. -- No compromise as compared with a name-brand phone.
Battery life is also good. Runs fine for a whole day, and with some effort to do battery management, (WiFi on only when needed, BT off, Conservative Brightness and Screen time-out settings) it will go a second day if she forgets to charge it.
But I do have some complaints:
The back, and the way it attaches to the phone is very cheap. I am not sure how many times you can take the back off without it breaking.
It's not bad to hold and use, but I'm pretty sure one good drop will kill it. Of course, 1 drop can kill even a name-brand phone.
It seems to only have one microphone. Most newer "real" phones have 2 or even 3 mics for noise cancelling or for use in different orientations (like using Voice search, or using it in speaker phone mode). This would only be a problem in noisy environments.
Edit: I had previously written something about filesystem corruption. That gave an incorrect perception of a minor problem.
My wife had a problem installing a paid app from Google Play. I believe I could fix the problem, but that would require a factory reset or user data wipe, or rooting. The problem seems limited to the installation of that one app. Other apps install fine.
--

Linuxslate said:
Mini-Review from an AT&T user in the US:
I bought one of these for my wife (I figured it was a good trade --- Just kidding.) I don't feel like committing to AT&T for another 2 years.
I bought it from Geekbuying.com. It arrived in only a few days.
It seemed to have the best specs, and the correct frequencies for AT&T in the US. For these types of phones, the dual core MTK6577 SoC is actually not a bad chip.
I can confirm that it does report an "H" connection (HSDPA) almost everyplace an AT&T signal is available.
My Acer Iconia Smart (HSDPA 900 / 1900 / 2100 non-US version) Rarely connects as 3G since it does not have 850 HSDPA.
She only uses the 1 SIM. I have a T-Mobile SIM/Account I use for testing, but since it is her phone, I have not tested it on T-Mobile. T-Mobile 3G may actually work, at least in some areas, since as part of the failed takeover of T-Mobile by AT&T, they have a 7 year frequency-sharing agreement. With Quad Band GSM/GPRS, Calls, and 2G data will work fine on T-Mobile.
Performance is also good. Switching Apps, scrolling on the browser, returning to home screen all happen without any irritating delays.
It is a very clean and stable version of Android 4.1.1. Google Play is present, but see below for a problem. Force closes are rare to never.
The screen is beautiful for a Chinese phone. Overall the phone also looks very nice for the price (I bought her the white one.)
Call quality, Mobile signal, and WiFi are also all excellent. -- No compromise as compared with a name-brand phone.
Battery life is also good. Runs fine for a whole day, and with some effort to do battery management, (WiFi on only when needed, BT off, Conservative Brightness and Screen time-out settings) it will go a second day if she forgets to charge it.
But I do have some complaints:
The back, and the way it attaches to the phone is very cheap. I am not sure how many times you can take the back off without it breaking.
It's not bad to hold and use, but I'm pretty sure one good drop will kill it. Of course, 1 drop can kill even a name-brand phone.
It seems to only have one microphone. Most newer "real" phones have 2 or even 3 mics for noise cancelling or for use in different orientations (like using Voice search, or using it in speaker phone mode). This would only be a problem in noisy environments.
Edit: I had previously written something about filesystem corruption. That gave an incorrect perception of a minor problem.
My wife had a problem installing a paid app from Google Play. I believe I could fix the problem, but that would require a factory reset or user data wipe, or rooting. The problem seems limited to the installation of that one app. Other apps install fine.
--
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This phone will not work on T-Mobile it only has 3G 850/2100 like all the other China mtk6577 devices do not buy if you're expecting it to work on T-Mobile 3G! The specs are false saying it supports 3G bands 850/1900/2100!

That's what I'd say too. The specs are good and price is ok for the specs but not exactly a deal.
wslimk said:
I found a android 4.1 OS phone, dual core mtk 6577 3G smartphone 4.7 inch screen
they call cubot A8809, selling only $173.49. free shipping.
This link:http://www.mcbub.com/item/CUBOT-A88...Android-4-0-GPS-3G-WIFI--8-0MP-Camera-152607/
how do you think guys?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wemelboy said:
I like the specs; but it can be found at the same price elsewhere (for example here)...
Until a couple of weeks ago, I was very sceptical towards buying a cheap smartphone, but I've had some good experience with the Huawei Ascend 300G...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

3G or not 3G

I already have a 16gb Nexus 7 but but I am upgrading to a 32gb and was wondering whether it was worth getting the 3G version.
I like the idea of the 3G as I would probably use it abroad with a PAYG SIM bought locally but whilst at home I would not be using a SIM, relying on WI-FI and hotspotting to my phone.
So I would like to know
1) If using without a SIM is the performance/battery life any different to the non 3G version
2) Is/will the device be in high street stores by Christmas or will it be yet another Nexus 4 fiasco
Cheers
Baz

Well, I would normally say, "Its better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it." Which is why I paid the extra $50 for one. I dont know what the price difference is for you in the UK, tho. 30 quid?
You may even find that you would just rather have the 3G option at home since it can be kind of a hassle to turn on the wifi and connect it.
I'm not sure about your other questions, tho since I don't have mine yet.

I use tablet talk and WiFi tethering on my cheap android phone. This allows me to data roam and send/receive SMS direct(ish) to my tablet.
I can even make calls from my tablet provided I have my BT headset connected to my phone for incoming audio.
Only reason I would really consider the 3g is if someone hacks it to make standalone calls (people are working on trying to do just that).
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

WiFi vs. 3g

Hello, im going to buy nexus 7 soon. I will travel a lot, and since this will be my only device to communicate with friends/family i need to decide betwen wifi only or 3g. What would u do? 3g cost a bit more but i can have 5gb for 20€/month, dont need to risk with pubblic wifi, and can still use it in train, bus. But im mainly wondering about:
3g drain battery more than wifi?
3g version will get updates as soon as wifi only?
Ther is any difference in performance?
Dosent case (like seido active case) lower wifi or 3g signal?
Thx a lot in advance.

I would recommend to use both Wifi and 3G
Wifi is faster than 3G but drained the Battery
3G is lower than Wifi but drained less Battery
I use both... Wifi @ work and home... 3G eslewhere...
My 2 cents
---------- Post added at 02:34 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:09 PM ----------
Tarhaomenapuu said:
3g version will get updates as soon as wifi only?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean by that?

From what i understood, i think transformer prime 3g, had to wait more time for an update than standard wifi only. Isn't it?
Wysyłane z mojego Desire HD za pomocą Tapatalk 2

Do you have a smartphone with a mobile data plan?
If yes then best thing to do would be to share the mobile data between the two. At least that's what i'm doing and works fine when i'm not near wifi.
Cost effective and practical

Tarhaomenapuu said:
From what i understood, i think transformer prime 3g, had to wait more time for an update than standard wifi only. Isn't it?
Wysyłane z mojego Desire HD za pomocą Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably, but wasn't the Transformer Prime 3G model carrier dependent (ie: branded for a specific carrier)? If so, that's always the case. Even certain phones will have different roll-out schedules for updates based solely on who the carrier is. That sucks, but isn't new. Fortunately with the N73G, it's not only a Google Nexus device, which guarantees timely updates, but it's also carrier neutral. In fact, one of the reasons why it's only 3G and not 4G/LTE is because Google didn't want to deal with the carrier BS when it comes to things like LTE. Even the Nexus 4, which just came out, is marketed as non-LTE - though apparently some people figured out it has the HW to do LTE and unlocked that feature.
99% of the crap we have to deal with when it comes to updates is not due to the manufacturers but due to the horrible carrier business practices.
Hell, my brand friggin new Samsung Galaxy S3 (AT&T) is still running ICS.

DanteGR said:
Do you have a smartphone with a mobile data plan?
If yes then best thing to do would be to share the mobile data between the two. At least that's what i'm doing and works fine when i'm not near wifi.
Cost effective and practical
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is true, but it's also a huge battery drain and I've personally noticed a bit of quirkiness and random disconnects at times when tethering devices to my phone(s). I'm not certain of OP's situation here but if he was out and about all day, tethering to a phone is not ideal as it would die rather quickly and he'd have to rely on finding a hotspot somewhere which sucks...I've had to do that lol. 3G version is only $50 more and probably worth it for OP IMO. And from what I've heard the 3G version doesn't really take a hit on battery life so he could easily get a days use of it. If we were talking iPads here where there is a $130 difference between WiFi and 4g models then yeah, just go WiFi and tether it but for $50 more may as well for it. Just my opinion of course.

plbelanger said:
This is true, but it's also a huge battery drain and I've personally noticed a bit of quirkiness and random disconnects at times when tethering devices to my phone(s). 3G version is only $50 more and probably worth it for OP IMO. And from what I've heard the 3G version doesn't really take a hit on battery life. If we were talking iPads here where there is a $130 difference between WiFi and 4g models then yeah, just go WiFi and tether it but for $50 more may as well for it. Just my opinion of course.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cell standby usage, which is when the device is NOT using 3G but connected nonetheless, has an almost inconsequential battery drain (in my case, 3% over 3 days). As long as there is a SIM card installed, it seems to always be connected. Even if you disable 3G data, it still remains connected to the cell towers. I can't speak about active Wi-Fi vs BT Tether vs 3G as far as battery drain is concerned, but I imagine the difference would be close to the same.

phonic said:
Cell standby usage, which is when the device is NOT using 3G but connected nonetheless, has an almost inconsequential battery drain (in my case, 3% over 3 days). As long as there is a SIM card installed, it seems to always be connected. Even if you disable 3G data, it still remains connected to the cell towers. I can't speak about active Wi-Fi vs BT Tether vs 3G as far as battery drain is concerned, but I imagine the difference would be close to the same.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are certainly several factors at play but from experience tethering devices to my nexus one and galaxy nexus via wifi hotspot it killed my battery rather quickly. I've also tethered via USB with the same result. If I'm remembering correctly it also disables certain phone features while hotspot is enabled? It's been a while since I've done it tbh. I've also heard people with the 3G version say battery life it not really impacted. I ordered a 3g model but haven't received it yet to make a comparison. I'm just saying for $50 more may we well go for it and in some cases you can use an existing sim card so no need for an additional plan. Just pop your phone sim in and go.

[Q] T-Mobile signal booster for indoor use

Alright, XDA. I really need your expertise on this one. I am doing everything I can to keep my Nexus 4. Even with its issues and shortcomings, it's the best phone I ever used.
The one thing I need is cell service where I work for calls and SMS only. I have wifi for data. After some Googling, will this work?
http://www.wilsonamplifierstore.com/t-mobile
It says T-Mobile uses 1900MHz for voice calls, sms, and 2G data. This seems just perfect for me. Will this work with my Nexus 4? I don't see why not, but it doesn't hurt to come to you guys first. Obviously, there are other options as well. What makes one more power than another? Are these things as effective as they say? Reviews are good, but I'd like your input before I buy.
Should I go through with this, I'll post a FULL review here. It seems like a great product.

I just got a signal booster from T-Mobile itself (free, except you pay the shipping charge, about $6 IIRC). As I understand it, it wouldn't be suitable for you because it's only for home use, but I'm posting for the benefit of other folks who may see the title and read the thread.
I'm not sure what all the requirements are for getting this from T-Mo -- they reviewed my account information and said I qualified but didn't explain further -- but you do need to be in a detached single-family dwelling and have some point inside your house where you get at least one bar of signal.
The booster consists of two separate units, a receiver (which is placed wherever in your house you get the best signal) and a repeater, which should be placed near where you spend the majority of your time. (The instructions that came with the booster said to place the repeater unit in the farthest corner of the house diagonally opposite the receiver "for best coverage," but that makes no sense: the receiver doesn't transmit, only the repeater does, so the repeater ought to be centrally located or near where you spend your time; it's not a very powerful transmitter, and the signal falls off quite rapidly with distance from the repeater.) The receiver and the repeater are linked wirelessly.
I found that the receiver isn't as sensitive as my phone. I originally placed it where my phone showed two bars, but the receiver indicated no signal. I did find a place where it showed one bar, so it is working for me.
Apart from the issue I mentioned regarding the range of the repeater, the booster is working very well. I get very nice, clear voice connections and as good data rates as I get outside my house -- 6.7 Mbps down, 870 kbps up. Another significant impact is on the phone's battery life: I had 40% left when I went to bed last night, while before it was normally around 10%.
This essentially eliminates my need for wi-fi calling, since I now get sufficient signal at home to use the regular wireless connection.

This is excellent news! I heard of T-Mobile giving these away, but I am on a prepaid plan. Even still, I'll call them and see if I qualify, but probably not since I heard it extends your contract, but not your upgrade eligibility. Don't know how this will work next year when T-Mobile gets rid of contracts all together.
Any idea about this one in particular? Does it work with ALL cell signals from different carriers and repeat them? If so, which ones? Or just certain frequencies/carriers?
Thank you so much for replying!!!

I've been wondering about getting a signal extender as well. They are all extremely expensive though. I get 2 bars of HSPA in my room, but in my living room I get no signal. If T-Mobile sends out the extenders for free, that would be incredible! I really the hope it applies to the prepaid plans though.

mjnouri said:
This is excellent news! I heard of T-Mobile giving these away, but I am on a prepaid plan. Even still, I'll call them and see if I qualify, but probably not since I heard it extends your contract, but not your upgrade eligibility. Don't know how this will work next year when T-Mobile gets rid of contracts all together.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know about prepaid plans; I'm on a Classic family plan. They didn't say anything about extending my contract, which I presume they would have if it did. I have three lines, one of which is out of contract, one expires in April, and one in December of next year.
mjnouri said:
Any idea about this one in particular? Does it work with ALL cell signals from different carriers and repeat them? If so, which ones? Or just certain frequencies/carriers?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would be leery of that unit, unless you know what frequencies T-Mobile is using in your area. In particular, it doesn't have the 1700 MHz band, which T-Mobile uses in many areas. I'm not an expert on that, though, and in your area the bands it does support might suffice.

It says it won't work on T-Mobile 1700MHz, which it also says is 3G. I have no problem with this. It also says it will work on 1900MHz, which it says is for T-Mobile voice/sms/2G data. This is perfect for me. Of course, this is what the website says. I have to confirm with other sources that 1900MHz is what I need. It's just voice and sms I need, which is hopefully 1900Mhz in North Jersey.

FYI, ebay sells the tmo cel fi boosters.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/T-Mobile-Ce...062215?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item27cdc67e07

I'm on my phone so I don't have the link, but i put together a guide for the galaxy nexus on how to hack your own wifi calling.
Basically you use csipsimple, GV Callback, callcentric, and Google voice.
Works great.
Should solve your problem
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
---------- Post added at 02:43 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:39 PM ----------
Csipsimple connects to callcentric, which provides a free incoming number, which you connect to Google voice.
You use GV Callback to setup the outgoing calls. And then use Tasker to automate when to turn it on
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

kpjimmy said:
FYI, ebay sells the tmo cel fi boosters.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/T-Mobile-Ce...062215?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item27cdc67e07
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to confirm, yes, that's the equipment I have.

If anyone is looking to get a network extender from T-Mobile you should know they won't give you one if you live in an apartment.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

Anyone have more details on this given away extenders?
Anyone got one who has a prepaid plan? What number did you call, who did you talk to?

joshnichols189 said:
If anyone is looking to get a network extender from T-Mobile you should know they won't give you one if you live in an apartment.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How will they know what type of house you live in? Do they really go on Google Earth? Lmao. I live in a townhouse complex but I realllllly need a signal booster. None of my neighbors have T-Mobile so I fine see how it would be an issue.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

Ranguvar said:
Anyone have more details on this given away extenders?
Anyone got one who has a prepaid plan? What number did you call, who did you talk to?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IIRC you can only get the tmo cel fi for free if you are currently on a specific plan tier and are willing to extend your contract for another two years. I did it because I just upgraded with my Sensation a couple of years ago.
I don't remember if there was a specific number to call, but I think I called the normal 611 from my cell.
You have to live in a single family house, without sharing a wall, and also you must have at least one bar of 3g right outside the house to bring the signal inside with the booster. I think there was a couple of other requirements best answered by the tmo reps when you call up.
GL

I don't know about the tmo sinal boosters but I bought this http://m.bestbuy.com/m/e/product/detail.jsp?skuId=9522493&pid=1218138268758 from best buy because my house had zero signal inside. I switched from sprint and they had given me an airrave. As another poster has already pointed out the range is somewhat limited however without it I had no signal, just the hollow signal bars. It does give me coverage in my house but there are still a couple spots where I'll drop a call. I do have a small house though. Overall I'm happy with my purchase but the unit is a little pricey and can be tricky to set up(mine is on the roof on an old antenna pole for broadcast TV). It does work though and I am on tmo monthly 4g. Hope that helps anyone considering this.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

Just had a big long online chat session with a rep and she said the prepaid plans are NOT eligible for the booster. They are having someone come out and look at my reception problems though. So that's better than nothing.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk²

kcls said:
Just had a big long online chat session with a rep and she said the prepaid plans are NOT eligible for the booster. They are having someone come out and look at my reception problems though. So that's better than nothing.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk²
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Its on the TMobile site that the boosters are only for contract plans and you have to sign a new 2 year agreement to get one. It's also not yours to keep, your just renting it and you have to give it back to TMo when your done with them. And at $500 these things ain't cheap. I went to Best Buy and the one they said that would work that they had was $300, Walmart has one for $200 with so so reviews, an xbooster, I'll just move on for that kind price. So I ordered a StraightTalk micro sim and I'm going to see if I can get a better signal using AT&T towers. I'm only getting one bar on a good day on TMo at home and most of the places I go I get no signal at all. This is the reason I dropped them 10 years ago and it hasn't gotten any better.

I own the T-mobile cel-fi unit and can tell you that the product works perfectly. A great device. It only supports the AWS spectrum (1700/2100) and does not support the new refarmed 1900 3/4G spectrum used for iPhone and AT&T phones.
Fortunately for N4 users, it supports the AWS spectrum so the repeater will provide boosted coverage.
It does not support the 2G spectrum... Just a point to make.

kevlarian said:
I own the T-mobile cel-fi unit and can tell you that the product works perfectly. A great device. It only supports the AWS spectrum (1700/2100) and does not support the new refarmed 1900 3/4G spectrum used for iPhone and AT&T phones.
Fortunately for N4 users, it supports the AWS spectrum so the repeater will provide boosted coverage.
It does not support the 2G spectrum... Just a point to make.
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All I need is voice coverage indoor. Do you know that T-Mobile is changing their voice band? Will this unit boost voice coverage for future phones?

After doing some research, it looks like the Cel-Fi RS1 Tmobile (~$130 only Ebay) only relays HSPA signal. Which I guess only devices with 1700 AWS band can get signal boosted.
I bought the RS1 T-Mobile from eBay and they work on Nexus 4 but not on my brothers' iPhone 4 and international Note 2.
For comparison, the Cel-Fi RS2 (~$550 retail) can boost many signals: 1900 PCS, 1700/2100 AWS.