I tried several ways to boost the signal, including following an Internet tutorial from this video:
Which says that I can increase the signal by plugging in an ethernet cable that is wrapped tightly around my cellphone. Yes, the way worked to further increase the power of the signal I receive but not by much and at times it did not help at all.
I then proceeded to use an external wireless detector device made by Aztech. 4-dots signal. Very powerful.
What about the new laptop? It did not detect any signal whatsoever so I had it checked by the dealer. Apparently, I forgot to turn on the wifi switch on the laptop! Bummer... Also, my PSP wworked perfectly as well.