Quote: Originally Posted by
BarryWoods 
Even if you have a kick *** antenna on your end, unless they have one on theirs, you aren't going to get a connection. You are also going to be looking at around $300 minimum for hardware to get a good setup.
I spent less than $90 (including shipping!) for a high-power USB wifi adapter and 7dbi antenna. With this setup I have picked up hotspots from as far as a half-mile away, if there is good line of sight and I'm not rolling. I know most (if not all) of these hotspots were using a standard-issue off-the-shelf wireless router by Linksys, Netgear, Belkin or some other popular make.
I don't know if qualifies as "good" by your standards or not. I have no complaints.
The problem with a directional "pringles can" antenenna (or "cantenna") is that it's directional. Sure, you get better range, but you have to point it in the general direction of the hotspot/access point.