Saturday, June 9, 2007

BLUETOOTH IN COMPUTERS

Bluetooth is a radio-frequency communications system designed for connecting devices together. It works a bit like infra red, except that the devices don't have to be in line of sight of one another. It is also more versatile and has more abilities, although its maximum data rate is slower than infra red's maximum.

How is it useful?

Bluetooth is a wonderful boon; these are just a few of its advantages:

  • You can use your mobile phone to connect your notebook or PDA to the internet without even taking the phone out of your pocket.
  • You only have to get into your car and the phone in your bag automatically connects to your car kit.
  • You can share address book, schedule and to do list with your computer automatically, quickly and easily. You just walk into the room where your computer is, and it is done!
  • You can use a handsfree headset without awkward wires getting in the way.
  • And because Bluetooth is a standard, your bluetooth devices will still work if you upgrade your mobile phone, even to a different make.

dding Bluetooth to a Computer

TDK Bluetooth adaptor

Very few computers have bluetooth support built in. You can add it fairly easily, though. There are three main sorts of bluetooth adapters:

  1. PC card units, which are useful for notebook computers,
  2. PCI slot ones for desktop computers,
  3. USB-connected bluetooth "dongles": sometimes with a fitted USB lead.

In general, the USB adapters are the most flexible, because most computers support USB, and you can place the adapter where it will get the best signal, fitting it onto an extension lead if necessary.

There are several makes of bluetooth adapters at a range of prices. All work, but the better ones support more profiles and have better, more reliable drivers. Saving £10 on the price may not seem much of a bargain if you have to spend a whole day getting the thing to work!

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