And don't forget your Pringles cantenna! ;o)
I've found Trader Joe's coffee cans work in a pinch, too. (I recommend the Kauai, myself.)
" And don't forget your Pringles cantenna! ;o)"
I actually have a specially built yagi that does 14 dbi gain and mounts on a camera tripod H:-D
I've been able to hit wifi network and connect to them from over a mile with a clear line of sight, like on the top floor of a parking garage and across a freeway. You can still find the client though, because it's directional in a cone type shape. It's just harder than if you're finding an omnidirectional antenna. (i have those, too)
Here's one of my favorites omnidirectional antennas
http://www.senao-us.com/oscommerce/product_info.php?products_id=101&osCsid=5041c5cd55a123c11432a0cbaceeeae4
(the H is a geeky properller beanie)