iPhone will see network but MBP will not?

I have an older Billion ADSL+2 router. I have a wireless network set-up which my MBP connects to without trouble. However, the other day a friend came around with an iPhone.
They could connect to the network outside the house - some distance from the router. Yet my MBP at the same location will not.

Is this common? Can I enhance my MBP to connect at greater distances etc?

Also;
I have the ESSID broadcast disabled - as added security. My MBP does not see the network, but the iPhone found it. Is that common or do I need to make some changes to my MBP?

I have the ESSID broadcast disabled - as added security. My MBP does not see the network, but the iPhone found it. Is that common or do I need to make some changes to my MBP?

Click to expand...

Turn on the SSID as that will help your MBP to connect. The changes need to be made within your router not the MBP. The best security for your wireless network is to use WPA2 encryption. Turning off the SSID essentially offers nothing to protect you.

Cheers Chscag
- will turn on SSID and already have WAP2 selected.

Had the SSID disabled so that passersby would not see it.