Range extender=repeater, same thing different name. I'm not sure you can tell that it's working perfectly when she's next to you as at that point she could be connecting directly to the router rather than the extender. Two thoughts, one, the extender still isn't reaching from where it is to the kitchen (you do live in a palace don't you?) Or it's bust :-( if...
A dongle seems to be your solution, then.... we are fortunate with our wifi, it used to be poor in the basement (where I tend to do work-work), but is much better since we were able to upgrade to a faster connection.
Do you (in layman's terms) have to introduce your router to mrs sqad's laptop, perhaps in your study, to see if it works there, or if your kitchen's not the ideal place for her to use it?
boxy...Mrs sqad's laptop connects perfectly when placed next to my router in MY study, but i don't want her in my study and she doesn't want to be close to me, as she wants her laptop in the kitchen which is upstairs.
It is an upside down villa, kitchen and lounge upstairs and my study with bedrooms downstairs...............for the view you understand ;-)