Sprint activation will boost signal strength???

[franklin]

Hi guys,

finally took the plunge and got myself a cellphone. just don't really like the feeling of being tracked down at any time, if you really want to know why.

anyway, i purchased a samsung N400 from costco, and haven't activate it yet. this phone got 1 bar for signal strength in my bedroom, while my roommate got full 4 bars in his room, with a 3-year old, 2G samsung phone!!! what's going on? i called Sprint and was told that if i activate the phone, it will have much better reception.

so i ask you experts out there, is Sprint BS me, or is it possible that by activating the phone, it will have better signal strength? i called Sprint customer service from the N400 w/ *2, and talked to them for 10 minutes without any problem, even with only 1 bar. maybe the phone is bad? owners of N400, plz tell me if you have problems w/ reception on this phone.

i'm thinking about taking this back to Costco and get an exchange, what do you guys think?

thanks,
Franklin

[IdiOTeQnoLogY]

first off activating it should make no difference with signal strength imo.

second, 1 bar can be fine. in my basement in jersey where i have my PC and turntables and TV/DVD player (obviously i am down here a lot is my point) i make calls all the time with 0-2 bars on my sanyo5300 and have had one dropped call in weeks.

i think you should go with the sanyo4900 anyways it is a better phone and would do better with a weak signal if you are worried about it.

besides, each manufacturer has a different definition of how their signal bar measurement is displayed. dont go so much by that but more by whether you can make or receive calls ok- this is for whatever carrier you decide to go with.

[zerorogue]

I would take your n400 back to costco. I bought it there as well and the reception is quite bad. I would get the a500 if you want to buy another phone at costco, or go with a sanyo 4900,6200 or 5300 for better reception.