My wife and I are looking to take a 'holiday' next spring

We want to rent this apartment for a month and work from there

However the only internet available at the apartment complex is out of the main office about 100 meters away

The signal therefore does not quite reach all the way to our apartment

They say they can install a booster that would make it reach, but not having had any experience with them I am somewhat concerned

Since we'll be there for a whole month (maybe 2) we would need to work online all day everyday type of thing

I'd hate to pay for month rent and have to bail after day 2 because we can't get proper internet to keep up with our work

Getting another connection to the apartment is not an option - what I am rally asking here is if anybody has ever had to rely on one of these and how well it works?

Any reviews would be appreciated

Once upon a time I used a linksys range expander to do that. The pro is that it might double the distance, but that’s dependant the wireless antennas having an unobstructed view of each other.

The con is that a expander will bounce (relay) the signal so there is potential for a slight delay with the signal, sometimes its noticeable, sometimes not. And you have to weigh the cost of the expander vs a month of service.

workijng all day - you call that a holiday!!

At least they have been honest enough to tell you the signal does not reach. When traveling in the UK and USA, we found that in 50% of places that boasted wireless, the signal either did not reach or was so weak as to be hopeless.

Mind you, in France they asked 'what is this internet thing'!!

Don't know what speeds you are used to, Nick or what is available for you.

On our recent trip across Australia we took a laptop and the wireless doover from the home LAN. Wasn't working out very well so I bought a wireless router and signed up for a "no contract" account on the "Next G" network.

When I got home I phoned them up and had the account changed to 0 transfer. It can stay like that, with no bill, for up to six months, after which I'll have to get a new account if I haven't activated the account.

Worked out OK, but may be a bit slow for your needs. Works where ever you can get mobile phone coverage.

I think laurie has the best option for you to use as you will have a connection around the whole complex your in (maybe weak in some places but it might be a safer bet then relying on just a wireless booster kit.

Wireless is bad enuf as it is when you get too far away from it so if I was you I would personally go signup for a wireless dongle as laurie said, make sure you get a no contract one though lol.

On the other hand you could just have an actural holiday which means NO WORK! lol. What is it you guys do to have to work on your holiday? cant you hire someone to do your work for a month and have a proper break? if no due to money try to find a freelancer (if you work with websites etc) and offer 1/3 of the profit or something. You maybe a bit short on money but at least you will have a real holiday and a good long break from work

thanks everyone for the replies!

Unfortunately i can't take a month or 2 off completely...our biz is heavily dependant on my attention - which is certainly a huge pain - i've been trying set things up so I would not need to be involved so much with the day to day stuff but it's been a tough battle - one i haven't won yet

so the way things are, i really need to be online a lot, and worse off i need a quick connection as many of the things i do involve running through a ton of webpages

getting a pay as you go wireless card really isn't an option either as the service would be far too slow where we plan on going (Egypt) - might be an option as a back-up at least

what to do, what to do...maybe Laurie will put us up instead

Thanks again everyone