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  • #1

    What Is Bluetooth?

    I'm considering getting a PDA or PocketPC -- I'm going to get one of the two sometime soon.

    I notice that some are equipped with Bluetooth.

    I know it has something to do with networking, but can someone explain it better to me, in layman's terms.
    When you say to your neighbor, "We're having a loud party on Saturday night if that's alright with you," what you really mean is, "We're having a loud party on Saturday night."
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  • #2
    Originally posted by WinstonSmith@Mar 31 2004, 10:14 AM
    I'm considering getting a PDA or PocketPC -- I'm going to get one of the two sometime soon.

    I notice that some are equipped with Bluetooth.

    I know it has something to do with networking, but can someone explain it better to me, in layman's terms.

    Definition: Bluetooth is a specification for the use of low-power radio communications to wirelessly link phones, computers and other network devices over short distances. The name "Bluetooth" is borrowed from Harald Bluetooth, who was a king in Denmark more than 1,000 years ago.

    Bluetooth technology was designed primarily to support simple wireless networking of personal consumer devices and peripherals, including cell phones, PDAs, and wireless headsets. The wireless signals transmitted in Bluetooth reach over short distances, typically up to 30 feet (10 meters). Bluetooth devices generally communicate at less than 1 Mbps.

    Bluetooth networks feature a dynamic topology called a piconet or PAN. Piconets contain a minimum of two and a maximum of eight Bluetooth peer devices. Devices communicate using protocols that are part of the Bluetooth Specification. Version 1.1 of the specification is in widespread use today with versions 1.2 and 2.0 under development.

    Although the Bluetooth standard utilizes the same 2.4 Ghz range as 802.11b and 802.11g, Bluetooth technology is not a suitable Wi-Fi replacement. Compared to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth networking is much slower, a bit more limited in range, and supports many fewer devices.

    As is true for Wi-Fi and other wireless technologies today, concerns with Bluetooth include security and interoperability with other networking standards. Practical adoption of the technology has not yet lived up to the initial industry hype around Bluetooth.

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    • #3
      Not sure of all the applications, but the two big ones I wanted it on my cell were to wirelessly sync with my laptop and so I could use a wireless headset.

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      • #4
        I have the MSFT bluetooth desktop.

        Wireless keyboard and mouse.

        Neat combination.

        However, you can't set it in the proximity of your wireless router or it won't work.
        And, frankly, it has never occured to me that "winning" a debate is important, or that I should be hurt when someone like Airshark or kah, among others (for whom winning a pseudo debate or declaring intellectual superiority over invisible others is obviously very important) ridicule me.

        -The Artist formerly known as King in KC

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        • #5
          Then can a Bluetooth equipped PDA or PocketPC gain access to a network via a 802.11b wireless router?
          When you say to your neighbor, "We're having a loud party on Saturday night if that's alright with you," what you really mean is, "We're having a loud party on Saturday night."

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          • #6
            Originally posted by WinstonSmith@Mar 31 2004, 10:33 AM
            Then can a Bluetooth equipped PDA or PocketPC gain access to a network via a 802.11b wireless router?
            I don't think so. Two different protocols, but JD, PG or BBZ will know for sure.

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            • #7
              In that case, you'd need a Bluetooth access point.

              Not worth it for me.
              When you say to your neighbor, "We're having a loud party on Saturday night if that's alright with you," what you really mean is, "We're having a loud party on Saturday night."

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              • #8
                The neatest application for bluetooth in a PDA is if you have a cellphone with bluetooth as well. You can get online to do anything without carrying cables or any other accessories.
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                • #9
                  Seems bluetooth isn't necessary for me.

                  Now, do I want to spring for 802.11b?

                  I'm going to look at some models and ask for more help =]
                  When you say to your neighbor, "We're having a loud party on Saturday night if that's alright with you," what you really mean is, "We're having a loud party on Saturday night."

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                  • #10
                    One really neat feature Toyota put into the 2004 Prius was an option for Bluetooth -- you could talk wirelessly in your car if your phone was Bluetooth compatable, or download Mapquest directions from your laptop or PDA equipped with Bluetooth to the LCD display in the dash.

                    The next car I get is going to be a Prius. I don't know if I'll spring the $9,000 for the Bluetooth mega-loaded options package, but it sure would be nice!

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                    • #11
                      Originally posted by WinstonSmith@Mar 31 2004, 11:24 AM
                      Seems bluetooth isn't necessary for me.

                      Now, do I want to spring for 802.11b?

                      I'm going to look at some models and ask for more help =]
                      Don't spring for 802.11b, get 802.11g -- in simple terms, it's a lot better and only marginally more expensive.

                      My wireless network rules... I can't imagine having to be stationary with a laptop connected to a router anymore... that sucked.

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                      • #12
                        No, I know about 11b versus 11g.

                        I'm talking about for a PDA/PocketPC. Do they have those w/ 11g?
                        When you say to your neighbor, "We're having a loud party on Saturday night if that's alright with you," what you really mean is, "We're having a loud party on Saturday night."

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                        • #13
                          Originally posted by WinstonSmith@Mar 31 2004, 11:30 AM
                          No, I know about 11b versus 11g.

                          I'm talking about for a PDA/PocketPC. Do they have those w/ 11g?
                          Have you tried uBid?

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                          • #14
                            Originally posted by steveInebriated+Mar 31 2004, 11:31 AM-->
                            QUOTE (steveInebriated @ Mar 31 2004, 11:31 AM)
                          • #15
                            Originally posted by WinstonSmith@Mar 31 2004, 11:24 AM
                            Seems bluetooth isn't necessary for me.

                            Now, do I want to spring for 802.11b?

                            I'm going to look at some models and ask for more help =]
                            I have a cf 802.11b card that's never used. It's just not practical to be wirelessly tied to access points.


                            With bluetooth and a compatable phone, you have REAL freedom to get on the internet @ will.
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                            Former Lounge Sponsor of:
                            The Hebrew Hammer, BBZ, Foods that start with the letter 'Q', Paul 'Visor' Mitchell, FBBHOFer Brett "William" Wallace, BBFHOF, THE LALPHABET: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N I Z M N O P Q R S T U V Z T U V X Y X Z, The Return of MarkD.

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