Although, I am relatively inexperienced in wifi, I often get asked to set up wireless systems for friends as I work in IT support.

I've tried Zyxel MIMO, D Link, and Netgear routers as well a few like Edimax. As they are all cheap, I tend to stick with the branded ones and generally find the Netgear have the best signal. Although even this has blackspots.

I'm setting up one next week for a friend who's wife has just bought an Apple Powerbook which she wants to use downstairs in a large, rambling old house thick rooms and ceilings and lots of rooms between the wifi point and where she wants to use the Powerbook.

The router will go into a small bedroom where a computer is and I want to try to avoid any wiring, as all existing wiring is sealed and inaccessible.

1. Does anyone know the best way of getting a powerful signal without wiring? Wireless repeater? Booster aerial? Ones you have actually tried.
2. Does an Apple Powerbook have a 54 or 108Mbps receiver as standard and are they easy to connect, like a PC?

Thanks for any help.

Mike

Sorry for the late reply Mike, waited to see if a more knowledgeable member was going to post first. You'll have to do with me
I mostly install in newer houses, co-running a small WISP with a mate as a hobby.
You appear to be more experienced than most on router selection anyway. I use Pheenet stuff from Solwise as a rule, and Netgear off ebuyer - or similar when it’s cheap.
A combination of the wbig-104 wireless router and the wap-554g AP (configured in repeater mode) has served me well in the few situations where we’ve needed an extended reach. Detachable sma type aerials enable you to replace the existing 2db aerials with either, directional indoor panels - or higher gain standalone omni’s. Be aware that high gain aerials don’t increase signal, they just channel it in a more directional manner. Ie high gain usually means poor/er vertical signal radiation where multi-floor coverage is needed.
As you’ve probably experienced WiFi is far from an exact science. There’s some interesting stuff on the Solwise site about calculating Link budgets and the like.
http://www.solwise.co.uk/wireless-around-the-home.htm But not being very tech myself - I tend to set up an AP in AP mode, and go for a wander around the house with a laptop .
I’ve never used it, but the Powerline, Homelink stuff might be a better bet if the socket wiring is suitable??
Hope this is of some use. Let’s know how you come on.