IOGEAR USB 2.1 Bluetooth Micro Adapter (GBU421)
by IOGEAR
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Category: CE
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Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: IOGEARAudio: English (Original Language)
Format: CD
Platform: Windows
Model: GBU421
Product features:
- IOGEAR Bluetooth USB Micro Adapter offers Bluetooth connectivity at a fraction of the size of normal Bluetooth USB adapters
- This Bluetooth Class 2 adapter is also compatible with both Mac and PC computers, and offers a wireless range of 30 feet (10 meter)
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- Cirago Bluetooth BTA6210 v.2.1 EDR Class 1 Micro Bluetooth Adaper
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of IOGEAR USB 2.1 Bluetooth Micro Adapter (GBU421)
Customer Review: Defective product, utterly poor customer support.
Summary: 1 Stars
In spite of all the positive reviews for this device, I am extremely frustrated, dissatisfied, and will be returning the device for a refund.
I attempted to install the device on a one-month-old Dell Studio XPS desktop running Windows 7. Rather than use the included mini CD, I followed the manual and downloaded the newest software/drivers directly from the IO Gear website. I followed the instructions to the letter, waiting to plug in the dongle until the software installer prompted me to do so. The software seemingly installed without an issue, but upon attempting to connect my Plantronics Voyager Pro+ headset, the pairing failed.
Note: The adapter recognised the headset correctly in the "Add a Device" window, but upon attempting to pair the process failed and cited an unknown error code, 0x800004005.
I contacted both Plantronics as well as IO Gear technical support. Plantronics stated that they could not troubleshoot a connection to the IO Gear USB Adapter, but offered to perform some other basic troubleshooting to ensure that the headset was functioning correctly. Since the headset paired to my phone and worked flawlessly, Plantronics deemed the headset to be working in good order.
My experience with IO Gear was less than pleasing, though.
After waiting on hold for about 10 minutes, I was greeted by an extremely rude, impatient representative who began the call by asking for my name and then becoming audibly frustrated, huffing and sighing, presumably at the difficult spelling. Right after she finally got my name right and took down my email address, she put me back on hold for another 5 minutes or so. I have no idea why it was necessary to put me on hold since we hadn't even begun troubleshooting yet.
Then things got worse...
The rep clearly wanted nothing more than to get me off the phone. She failed to even listen to the problem, evidenced by her initial response "I'd be happy to help you install your new MOUSE". Um, it's a HEADSET, sweetheart. Then, after finally cluing in to the correct problem she simply blurted out, "Uninstall the software, reinstall, and that should fix your problem. If not, here's a ticket number and you can call back later. Thanks, bye."
I had to beg her to hang on the line whilst I tried her solution and again she huffed and sighed as though I was keeping her from more important opportunities.
Needless to say, the uninstall/reinstall didn't work, at which time I was told "The unit you received was probably defective, please return it to the store where you bought it. Here's your ticket number again, thanks, bye."
Thanks to a faulty device and some of the worst customer customer service I've experienced in a long time, I have initiated a return for a full refund and I will be ordering a product from another manufacturer.
***
UPDATE January 11, 2011: At the recommendation of another reviewer, I ordered a Targus Bluetooth Adapter. It installed in about 5 minutes, with no errors and worked perfectly. I highly recommend it as an alternative to the IOGear product.
***
Description of IOGEAR USB 2.1 Bluetooth Micro Adapter (GBU421)
IOGear GBU421 Bluetooth 2.1 USB Micro Adapter, the IOGEAR Bluetooth 2.1 USB Micro Adapter offers Bluetooth connectivity at a fraction of the size of normal Bluetooth USB adapters. About the size of an adult fingernail, the IOGEAR Bluetooth 2.1 USB Micro Adapter allows users to connect to all the latest Bluetooth devices like cell phones, PDAs, mice and keyboards. Because the Micro Adapter is so small you can easily plug it into your computer without blocking any surrounding USB ports. The Micro Adapter also features Bluetooth EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) technology for transfer rates that are 3 times faster than traditional Bluetooth 1.1 and 1.2 adapters. The Micro Adapter also allows users to connect up to seven Bluetooth devices together and transfer even the largest files quickly and easily. With the Micro Adapter lower power consumption, you can enjoy longer battery life on your notebook computer. This Bluetooth Class 2 adapter is also compatible with both Mac and PC computers, and offers a wireless range of 30 feet (10 meter). It is great for both home and mobile networking needs.Digital Cameras & Photo Categories
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