Getting a new computer and want to set up the old one for wireless.

Question

I am getting a new G5 and have a few questions about wireless networking.
First off, I presently have a G4 Dual 400, wired to a Netgear wireless G router. My laptop (G4 Titanium) and my iPhone will not connect to wi-fi at the furthest location in my house. I can get 1 bar. If I move to the next room I can get some times 2 bars. The router is located on the third floor of our house. It is the only place the cable comes in for the internet. I cannot change it's location.
If I upgrade to the Air Port Extreme. (I have a 100 iPhone credit) can I expect a big improvement in coverage? I am not so concerned about speed.
Secondly, I am giving the G4 to the kids. It will be located in the farthest room from the Air Port Extreme as well.
I have looked at Sonet's PCI Card $100.00 and this, on Ebay, http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=150164457261&ssPageName= STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=005. Has anyone had any experience with either? Also seen on ebay is a USB antenna, a little deal, looks like a flash drive that plugs in.
Any thoughts appreciated.

Answer 1

For future reference,
If you don't know, you usually have to be hard-wired (ethernet cable) to the router to change anything. Only for changes .
I doubt that you will get a better signal as the FCC standard is so many watts max. (unless you hack it, but who wants to sleep next to a microwave?)
BUT, you can use a repeater. You just plug it into an electical outlet say, on the second floor and it should be able to repeat the signal from there. I don't think the older Base Stations could do it so i'm not sure about the new ones. But you can get one from say, Lynksys, Netgear, Belkin, etc. and they are a bit cheaper too. I think their called Bridges.
I would definatly find out before you buy the Airport tho. AulfulI expensive door stop if it won't work. I think i remember someone using the Express" (?) for the same thing but it was for streaming music to the stereo, I don't think it is "G" rated tho so it would slow every thing down.
By the way Max bars, (nearest), you can play Quake, Unreal, etc, but under 1 bar, (farthest), you might be able to play chess.
Unless you have a USB-2 port your better off with a Firewire dongle. They didn't have USB-2 on the earlier Laptops. But the Firewire ones are hard to find. I plan on getting one for the wifes G3 Ibook.
What ever you get, remember, you want at LEAST what your DSL/Cable router is."G" router, "G" cards, bridges, etc. If anything make sure they are backwards compatible to A-B-G so if you get a "good deal" on a "whatever" and it's not as fast as the network because it's locked out then it's not a good deal if you can't use it. If you can afford it, go with the next higher rating as in "N" (or at least 5 minutes ago) but make sure it's backwards useable so when you upgrade to another 'puter etc, one less item to upgrade....