[shilala]

I'd grab a repeater and move it around until you have the coverage you want. It's cheap and easy. Worse case scenario, you buy two. Still way cheaper than a good box of cigars.
I have a Netgear G that I spent a couple extra bucks for when it was new. It covers this whole house inside and out and does a good job of it, even when it falls behind my desk where it usually is.