wireless connectivity is a bitch

so this computer is finiky as all hell. it takes like 5 retires to get it to connect and i have no idea why. its sitting directly next to the router. the older model connected much faster, although for just as arbitrary a manner. it connected on like the 3rd try. i want to take it downstairs almost directly below where i'm sitting and i have my doubts those 10 ft will be spanned by this magical new technology. i've turned of all the power save modes on both the router and the laptop so the radios are on constant broadcast to try and maintain the connection. i feel like i need better wireless juju. send me your good juju if you have any. mine is broken.....