Best way to extend wireless signal on a 12" powerbook...?

[wangchunggti337]

I live where there are city-wide WiFi connections. I actually live a block or two from one of the routers. The only problem is that my powerbook 12" has the hardest time picking up a signal, in fact I often have a hard time picking up wireless signals unless I'm right near them.

I realize this is one fault of the 12-banger, but it's almost as if mine sucks more than usual. Anyways, I know there is a way to extend the wireless capabilities. I've seen hacks where an antenna is actually soldered on, which is a route I would rather not take. If I had a windows machine there are several USB adapters to extend the range. Are there any of these that will work with a Mac?

Or, are there any other options?

Thanks for the help

 

[wangchunggti337]

Anyone? I know there must be a way...

 

[rcn]

Maybe you can buy an Access Point for yourself that has the possibility to attach an external antenna to it. I would research this option.


If you find no other options, try this:

put a conductor-material sheet behind your computer. The bigger, the better. For example the situation would be:

Access Point ... Your computer ... Conductor-material Sheet


If you find the optimun distance between the conductor sheet and your computer, you could enlarge your range up to 40% in the very best case. That distance depends on where the antenna is inside the computer and the components on it so I cannot give you an exact number.


If you have two conductor sheets, put them together in a 90º angle and put your computer in the 45º line facing the AP. The optimun distance to the conductor sheets could double your range in the very best case.