Phone Ratings for Fringe Reception?

Archived from groups: alt.cellular.verizon (More info?)

Could anyone in the biz or with access to multiple new Verizon phones
give a ranking of fringe reception in both analog and digital modes?
Don R used to do this on occaision. I'd be interested in a comparison
of the Mot710, Audiovox 9900 and LG 6100. Any other handsets of note
would be appreciated.
I currently have an Audiovox 9500 which has the best analog
performance of any phone I've used, including the Startac 7868, which
is a poor performer in both modes compared to the best new phones.
Digital is OK with the 9500, but the Nokia 3585i/3595i is still the
best, with many fringe test calls, for digital. Superior to the Mot
v60i. The Nokia also aquires a usable network very quickly. The Nokia
is not a very featured phone though and is lacking in other ways.
The LG has a stub antenna, which generally means reduced fringe
performance, like the v60s. The v60s when given a (v60i) extendable
antenna, shows much better fringe performance.
An external antenna capability is a must, but I found that a really
good antenna seems to be equal (in clear space) to an external
magmount, like the AVX 9500's very long antenna.
A Yagi is the next step up in call boosting for this phone. I have a
9db Antennex Yagi and it really makes a difference, despite being a
bit cumbersome to set up on the mast (collapsible, swimming pool brush
handle) and then aim.

If anyone has a pile of phones they can test, I suggest finding an
area that is on the fringe and then making at least several test calls
on each phone. Unactivated phones can still call 611.

-
Thanks,
David

Archived from groups: alt.cellular.verizon (More info?)

On 22 Oct 2004 22:39:10 -0700, davidlind@my-deja.com (David L) wrote:

>Could anyone in the biz or with access to multiple new Verizon phones
>give a ranking of fringe reception in both analog and digital modes?
>Don R used to do this on occaision. I'd be interested in a comparison
>of the Mot710, Audiovox 9900 and LG 6100. Any other handsets of note
>would be appreciated.

Anecdotally, from what I've read online, the 710 would be the best of
those three. Based on my own experience, it's the best RF-performing
phone I've ever had...by some measure. It's literally extended
coverage areas for me compared to my former LG 4400.

Another well-rated phone for RF in the VZW lineup - the Nokia 3589i.
It's kind of a lower-end color candybar phone, but has often been
considered the best RF performer.

Mike