I use this for 'finding hotspots': http://www.amazon.co.uk/Alfa-AWUS036.../dp/B002WCEWU8

I live in a reasonably densly populated area but my dad lives pretty out in the sticks and I still got a few at his, it will likely work anywhere barring farms..

I use this with the ap121u for re-broadcasting but you could just use the Alfa and share with connectify on the laptop to save money, mines just a slightly more long term solution..