Wireless Signal Boosters

Is there such a thing as a signal booster for a laptop to acquire a better signal from a wireless network?

I have a laptop that I take with me everywhere I go. Sometimes I get a 'weak' signal from my hotel room (11 mbps) that isn't enough to get on and check my e-mails. The place that I stay doesn't have the wireless signal, but it isn't that far from there. It is a 'hotspot' in town, but I don't really want to leave the room and go out in -30 degree weather to go there. How do I get a better signal?

Public Comments

1. most wireless connectors have the option to increase/decrease transmitting/recieving power, but if it has and you do use it at maximum, just bear in mind it will(if you're using it) deplete your battery faster. if you've already done this then there are boosters available but i've only seen them for desktop pc's but i reckon they do them for laptops too no doubt. i have never needed to use a booster.
2. Some cards can pick up weak signals better than others. One option would be to simply buy a new wireless card. I think a better option would be to get a high powered antenna for you laptop. If you have access to the source of the signal, you could probably buy them a repeater or an antenna so they can boost their own signal strength.