Your problem can be solved by using a USB wireless card that comes with a
jack for an external antenna. The only one that I have found that comes with
this feature is the Orinoco Silver.

There are a wide variety of external antennas available with signal gain
around 3-10 db, for about $30. I saw a large selection at CompUSA the other
day. These all seemed to be omni directional. If your objective is to target
a spacific hot spot, then build yourself a directional one.

I have played with this on the boat and found I the Nav station to poor a
location for normal wi-fi without the external antenna. However, around the
house, I am able to take my laptop with standard internal or USB wireless
some distance from the hub, into my shop or in my vehicle with good
connectivity.

However, while visiting my son, in his home, it made a difference if the
doors were closed between the living room and his hub which was about 3
rooms away. I think the difference here was the fact that his house has lath
and plaster walls while at another sons home with sheet rock walls, there
seemed to be little noticeable effect by "clear line of sight". I fact,
while sitting in his house, I can find neighbors hubs up to 6 houses away.

I am still learning about the limitations of wi-fi and hot spots and hope
that there will still be a few left with open access when I finally figure
it all out.

Steve
s/v Good Intentions