First Attempt: All Bluetooth Devices are NOT created equal.
I wanted to set up Google Talk wirelessly. I also wanted to use Bluetooth to do it - as I seem to be collecting devices that are Bluetooth enabled. Well what I didn’t realize is that not all Bluetooth devices are created equal. I could get the Microsoft Bluetooth Dongle to synch flawlessly with my keyboard and mouse, and could even get it to synch with the two different Bluetooth headsets I had obtained for the test. However, this was no use - as their dongle doesn’t support the headset and/or hands-free profile - something I didn’t realize was an option for them to leave out. I had neglected to read the 7.4MB PDF file of Bluetooth specs that is 1230 pages long. Apparently Microsoft is not alone as I had bought a second adapter (Kensington’s Bluetooth USB Adapter) just in case I liked Google Talk on Bluetooth so much I wanted to add it to my laptop- and it too does not support the headset and/or hands-free profile either.
Linksys does support this with their USBBT100 - Bluetooth USB Adapter, but as you can read from the links below - there are some major problems getting it to run on Service Pack 2 computers. Complaints among the Amazon users are similar - tech support is full of morons - and why haven’t they updated the drivers since 2003. However, since this adapter - if I can get it to work - will do what I want PLUS it is a Class 1 device - I am going to give it a try. Class 2 Bluetooth devices use less power, but have a range of about 10 meters (33 feet), while the more power hungry Class 1 adapters have a range of about 100 meters (328 feet). The Class 1 Linksys actually has a small antenna on it, unlike the other two I tried that have internal antennas.
If you have Windows XP SP2 - Read this before attempting an install of a Bluetooth device or driver.
Some of the comments on Amazon appear to be helpful as well.
To return tomorrow with more success
I have a BlueSoliel USB Bluetooth adapter for the PC. It cost about $25. It supports bluetooth audio and headsets. It works with my South Wing Neo-507. I used it just about 30 minutes ago to talk to a friend on Google Talk. And my friend’s Motoroloa Bluetooth headset works with the BlueSoliel, as well. I used it up to about 30 feet away (10 m), but it started breaking up pretty badly. The realistic useble range is only about 15-20 feet, but that is a Bluetooth restruction, not a BlueSoliel restriction.
Left by Howard P. on April 30th, 2006