From: sasbge@unx.sas.com (Gantt Edmiston)
Subject: Re: Cellular phone recommendations
Date: Wed, 29 Jul 1992 02:19:10 GMT
Distribution: usa
Organization: SAS Institute Inc.

Barry Thomas <thomasb@ucs.indiana.edu> writes:

>I'm in the market for a cellular phone.  It doesn't appear that I have
>much choice in terms of carrier (GTE Mobilnet), but need help in finding
>a phone.  I need something that can be moved between cars.  I assume that
>limits me to "handheld" or portable models.  I'll be using the phone on
>the road to our other campuses.  Some of these are described as "good"
>reception areas.  However, one freq. traveled road is known to be a poor
>reception area (lots of hills).

*All* cellular phones (hand-held, transportable, hardwired) will have 
problems in low areas.  The local carrier should build a cell nearby
to take care of this if it's a heavily traveled route.  You state you
only have one choice in carriers?  Are you in a rural area?  How long
has cellular service been available?

>Prices for both handheld and portable phones seem to be all over the
>board.  I'm looking for any recommendations, questions I should be asking
>and just general advice.

I have used Motorola "transportable" phones for 4 years and have never been
disappointed.  I currently use a Motorola S2728A transportable.  Dual-signal
strength (0.6 vs 3.0 watt), built in signal strength meter (real handy),
optional (extra cost) hands-free Mike is, IMHO, a requirement for 
"hands-free" driving! =-).  If you cannot afford a hands-free mike,
regardless of the phone you purchase, by all means, pull off the road
and complete your call.  It really gives all of us who use cellular phones
a bad name when you got some bozo doing a pretzel imitation whilst
weaving down the interstate!  Realtors are THE worst. 

Price?  Not sure, for the model listed above, about $250 to 275.  This 
does not include battery.  For the Motorolas, don't buy the battery from
the cellular dealer.  They want $60-150 for a battery.  I went to my 
local Video electronics dealer and purchased the same battery for $30.
It's the same as the one that goes in my camcorder.  BTW, the hands-
free mike for the Motorola is $40 and worth the price.  Also does not
include the optional trunk mount Antennae Specialists antenna.
Transportables have a small "rubber duck" antenna that will get
you by.  You will lose some signal strength inside a car.

The beauty of any transportable is that it is full-featured and 
full-powered.  I rigged a setup where I mount my "bag" in my trunk
and I have an extension for the handset and mike (and power) run
to the proper spots up near me in the car.  I can "go mobile" in
less than 60 seconds (but I rarely do) and re-install the whole
setup in about 2 minutes.  Custom installations required extra 
money unless your handy with car electronics.

The *best* recommendations I can make is to look around the
parking lots near your work, school or frequent haunts and stop
the folks getting into and out of cars with cellular antennas.  Most
will be happy to show you their equipment, share wars stories with
local cellular providers and discuss problem areas for reception.

As for the carrier you mentioned,  I have been a GTE Mobilenet customer
for about 2 years and so far, I am completely satisfied.  I had an
unfortunate falling out with Centel Cellular and vowed to pass that
on to anyone who asked.  You did, so there.

Email me back if you have more questions.
--
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