Opinion on Range Expanders

I just wanted to seek an opinion on Wireless signal Range Expanders (i.e Linksys WRE54G), on how effective they are, is it worth the expense or a better router will be a better solution. I currently have a Actiontech Gateway provided by Verizon, and its signal can be pretty weak in some areas of my apartment, which eventually leads to dropped connections. Will appreciate any replies. Thanks.

 

Well I would say it kinda is since my Wireless Gateway is inside a closet in one room and the computer in question is on the other side of the apartment, with at least 3 doors and walls in between and I'm only getting 2 signal bars.