hotspot/isp equipment suggestions

Hello all,

Help from any and all wifi experts is requested.

A dialup ISP in a small town (3 miles x 2 miles geographically) in a
hilly rural area is wishing to install 1 or more APs to provide fast
internet access to new and existing dialup customer's. The plan is to
start with 1 "hotspot" that is located in the middle of several
residential neighborhoods. The T1 is already there so the thinking is
to install an omniantenna and provide service to the surrounding area.

Does anyone have any suggestions on the brand/model of AP to use?
There are so many options. Primary concerns are broadcast range, ease
of use, security and scalability with future APs.

Also, is an amplifier suggested? We don't want to get in trouble with
the Feds.

Any suggestions on good but cheap equipment for the customers? PCMCIA
cards with pigtails and directional antennas seem to be the least
expensive solution.

Thanks in advance.
Chris