1 laptop gets lowest bar internet connection, laptop next to it gets highest bar

[revan]

 I am having a problem with one of my laptops.  On this laptop my signal strength is the highest it can be but on the other one (which is right next to the first one) has the lowest strenght that you can have and still have any kind of connection.  Please help!
laptop 1 runs windows xp and laptop 2 runs windows 7

[DaveLembke]

What are the Make/models of the laptops?

When did this problem start happening?

Have you installed the latest drivers for the wifi NIC on the laptop that is sensing a weak signal?

Have you popped open the panel exposing the WIFI NIC to see if the antenna cable is properly attached ( snapped on )?

Has this laptop been damaged in any way to where the antenna may be damaged internally?

[Geek-9pm]

The antenna wire may be broken or it is badly positioned.
More the laptops to different locations. Do not have them within two meters, about  6 feet, of each other.

Also, reduce radio power level on the one with more bars