How strong is the connection outside of the room?

just looked over the specs you have a speedbooster model that has Poor throughput vs. distance performance.

Linksys is a very good brand, but I stay away from the speed booster models
and stick to the regular WRT54G, this model will away to be able to even allow you to setup a repeater if you need it. The current model you have will not let you do that.

Also signal strength can be compromsied depending on the layout and constructions materials of you home, ie, wood, concrete floors in between level, etc.

Yeah an antenna would help. The problem is making sure that the one you get works with the linksys. compusa has some powered antennas that might be worth it. If you are a DIY'er you might make one. I got links if that's the case or a quick google would do. Also with alt firmware you can boost signal strength, but it's not for the faint of heart.

Wireless connections can be tricky - particularly if all of your neighbors are using wireless too! If you can see multiple other networks under "Wireless Networks" in the Connection Properties box (do they do this on a Mac?), you could have trouble because the bedroom is closer to the other networks than yours. Also, some portable telephones use the same frequency as the wireless routers. These can interfere with the signal. The other thing could be the walls are blocking the signal. Do you have anything metallic (filing cabinet, metal desk, big lamp, even a CD storage unit!) in your bedroom? This can soak up the signal too... I have a similar situation, but mine works. I did have trouble until I configured the router off of channel 6 and run it as Super G without Turbo on Channel 3 (I don't know whether LinkSys do this - mine is a D-Link and they have some things that are proprietary to D-Link.) Other things that I do: I have WEP encryption and MAC filtering and run it in extended range mode also I have 802.11g only mode (I don't expect you to understand these but maybe these are things that you can ask the Cisco people about when you call support for the 9th time!) Just out of interest, do Apple provide any form of wireless support for their PowerBook? (This question comes from a Mac hater, who has had to support at least a dozen of their c***py machines at one time or another... I could tell you stories, but I am hoping that they have improved their machines since 2003! Obviously i don't wish any of what I had to deal with on you! I had email troubles, network troubles, loss of user's data troubles and being phoned for support on a Saturday night late troubles...! ha ha ha) BTW - don't expect to get automatic good support from a router manufacturer. I have been very lucky with D-Link, but I have heard of people getting the short end of the stick with other manufacturers. I don't know about LinkSys.
Good luck Carly!