Network Extender for poor signals

[WalmartSecurity]

Does anybody have experience with network extenders? Would it help preserve battery life in poor signal areas?

Also, has anybody used Sprint's Airave network extender? I get terrible service here in college, but back home (Suburban Chicago) Sprint has great 3G and even WiMax. My 2-year with Sprint is up in October, and with the EVO 4g coming out (+WiMax back home) I was wondering if an Airave would help my reception woes during the school year.

 

[kriswknight]

Yes, the extender will help your battery life since the phone isnt searching for signal or working harder to receive information. You can buy one from VZW for $199 and in store they will get you a coupon for a $100 MIR. I think there is also a $35 restocking fee for it too.

 

[Reddog80p]

Does anybody have experience with network extenders? Would it help preserve battery life in poor signal areas?

Also, has anybody used Sprint's Airave network extender? I get terrible service here in college, but back home (Suburban Chicago) Sprint has great 3G and even WiMax. My 2-year with Sprint is up in October, and with the EVO 4g coming out (+WiMax back home) I was wondering if an Airave would help my reception woes during the school year.

I heard somewhere that Wi-Max is not available for the whole city of Chicago or the burbs. I saw some comments about a 20 mile radius where only certain neighborhoods actually received quality Wi-Max service. Could be a false rumor but IDK.