Different wireless connection strengths on two different laptops

[KidTDragon]

Hey guys, hoping I can pick your brains here.

Long story short: I've got a laptop that can't seem to get a good wireless connection, even though another laptop in the same room on the same connection can. Any ideas as to why the first laptop can't seem to get a good signal strength under the exact same conditions?

[-pops-]

Most likely due to differences in the sensitivity of the Wi Fi signal pick up devices - or a fault in one of them.

I have two desktop machines in close proximity being fed from a wireless router near to another computer elsewhere in the house. One of the "distant" machines has a BT1055 Adapter and has a fairly consistent 50% or so signal strength. The other machine has a cheapo Korean pickup adapter and is almost always 100% signal strength and is noticeably much better than the BT device.

[KidTDragon]

Most likely due to differences in the sensitivity of the Wi Fi signal pick up devices - or a fault in one of them.

Is there any way I can test it to see if there's a fault? I've tried two wireless devices (one built into the laptop, and a fairly pricey Belkin plug-in card) and both seem to give the same result.

[-pops-]

I'm not sure how you can do that but there are some very knowledgeable Wi Fi people come on here so give them time to see your post.

With my setup, I was surprised my low cost adapter gives much better performance than the expensive branded one.

[KidTDragon]

I'm not sure how you can do that but there are some very knowledgeable Wi Fi people come on here so give them time to see your post.

Will do. Thanks.