Which matters more when it comes to wireless reception - the card or the antenna?

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Continuing my wireless saga...I recently moved into an area with free municipal wireless. However, where I'm located is smack dab between to WPA's, and the generic card with a "high-gain" antenna pointed in the right direction (and actually out on the balcony) isn't really cutting the mustard, I can barely get a signal.

My questions is this - am I better off buying a whole new wireless adapter, or just buying a ginormous antenna for the current card?

I'm thinking about this little USB item, it looks pretty good (D-link something something) - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833127084

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I bought one of those dorky looking "Cantennas" from Fry's the other day. Seems to do pretty well if I point it directly at City Hall.

woot.