Us "older" cell phone users remember the early days of cell phones when "bag phones" were all the rage.  These cell phones-in-a-bag didn't fit in your pocket and they didn't text, send e-mail, navigate, play music or take a photo.  What they did do was provide an excellent voice connection thanks to a high-power transmitter and an external antenna.  For obvious reasons the bulky bag phones glory days were short-lived and they were quickly replaced with smaller, pocketable units.  The smaller units we have today are great, but they have much lower transmitter power and integrated antennas which can make for a less than ideal connection unless you're very close to a cell tower.  By the time you wrap yourself in metal (your truck) and head out on the trail (middle-of-nowhere), service can be spotty at best.  We've all been there.     

A press release from Wilson Electronics crossed our desk a few days ago that caught our eye.  It announced the availability of Wilsons new SignalBoost Mini-Mobile Amplifiers.  Quite simply, these systems install easily in your rig and provide improved cellular reception for either voice or data card by amplifying a cell phone device's signal to and from cell towers.  There are four configurations available.  An example of what Wilson offers is the SignalBoost 801231 (pictured).  This system is wireless in operation so no physical connection to the phone is required.  It installs in minutes and can be easily moved between vehicles.  This system sends the cell phone signal back to the cell tower with up to 6 times more power and offers substantially higher receiver sensitivity than a typical cell phone.  The kit includes an exterior magnet-mount antenna, SignalBoost Mini-Mobile Amplifier, Cradle Plus with a built-in antenna, mounting brackets, cigarette lighter power supply adapter, earbud and installation guide.

The SignalBoost Mini-Mobile Amplifier bundles are fully compatible with all hand-free devices and are available from $329 to $374 MSRP from authorized Wilson dealers including Radio Shack stores.  More info is available at www.wilsonelectronics.com.