Assuming you have coverage, the reception isn't an issue. The upper left quadrant of the integral antenna can be interfered with if you hold it there. That is the one weak point of the system.
There is a device that works wonders for all AT&T 3G phones. If your house is between cell towers, there is a microcell (looks like a modem) that will give you 5 bars. AFAIK, verizon doesn't have such a device, so if you are out of range at home, you are out of luck.
And BTW: the Iphones virtual keyboard is easier to use than my LG qwerty keyboard, which is like a blackberry keyboard.
Look and ye shall find...
http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/store/accessory?action=gotoFemtocellBut who cares anyway. Phones are passe.
