I use a Wilson "2-way repeater" type booster (This kind has an outdoor antenna, and an indoor antenna) and have seen it take my phone from basically one bar to 1 short of full signal strength. It works well when it works.
I have also used passive repeaters (2 antennas hooked together one high one low) back in the sticks and bricks, that also helped when I was in the basement.
And I have used just the antenna with a connector.. NOW, there are 3 kinds of phones and thus 3 kinds of connectors.
1: Phone has a jack (rare) and antenna plugs in, this is the best but see "Rare"
2: Phone has a "Finger" style antena Coupler fits over finger no electrical connection but inductive/capacitave coupling,, #2 on the YIPPIE list.
3: Phone is basically a flat card, no detectable antenna (it is internal) like my Samsung S-III.
Now the S-III I have wears an Otter Box Defender as an outer "Skin" when I am walk-about this snaps into a belt clip so it walks with me.
Wilson also makes a "clip" that goes over the phone (Do not know if it will fit over the defender) and couples to the internal antenna via capacitive coupling (This is also how those "through the glass" Antennas work).
This is #3 on the Best Connection list and I might add it is a very tight race, not a lot of difference between 1, 2 and 3.
So the need for an external antenna jack is highly overrated.
One final suggestion: IF you get the amplifier. Make sure you can turn it off if not needed. And check the lights to make sure it does not go into self oscillation. (A very bad thing)
Home was where I park it. but alas the.
2005 Damon Intruder 377 Alas declared a total loss
after a semi "nicked" it. Still have the radios
Kenwood TS-2000, ICOM ID-5100, ID-51A+2, ID-880 REF030C most times
