OT - Thompson wireless adsl modem-routers

Has anyone had experiences, good or bad with Xtra's freeby Thompson ADSL 
wireless routers?

One of my clients recently signed up and were given one by Xtra.
It appears to have a wireless range of about 10 feet!
If you leave the room housing the router and connection drops out.
By contrast, he can 'see' at least 3 other ( linksys and d-link routers 
belonging to his neighbors )

I've never heard of this Thompson brand, I suspect its exclusive to 
Telecom/Xtra.

Before I recommend a Linksys or D-link to him are there any other brands 
that have good range?

cheers
chris