IOGEAR USB 2.1 Bluetooth Micro Adapter (GBU421)
by IOGEAR
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List Price: Our Price: $9.99 You Save: $6.96 (41%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Category: CE See more product details |
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of IOGEAR USB 2.1 Bluetooth Micro Adapter (GBU421)
Customer Review: Works 100% in Ubuntu 9.10; PITA in Windows Vista, but works now
Summary: 5 Stars
The first OS I installed it on is Ubuntu 9.10, which it worked right out of the box. Ubuntu 9.10 has built-in Bluetooth support, so it immediately recognized the device. I was able to pair my headset without issue, and Ubuntu even automatically made a PulseAudio sink (made it so the sound actually works for playback and record).
Then I decided to try to get it to install on Vista SP2. First Vista automatically installed its own drivers, which did not work. I went to the IOGear website and downloaded the latest drivers and installed them. Once they were installed I was able to sync my headset. Windows recognized it as both an audio playback and input device, however it would never actually capture sound (like it was mute), and playback sounded really bad (crackles, etc..).
I uninstalled then reinstalled the drivers. This time playback sounded great, but it still wasn't properly capturing sound. After reinstalling the drivers for a second time, everything works great, including audio input. I have no idea why I had to keep installing the drivers, but I'm 99% sure it was a Windows problem and a conflict with the original Windows drivers - and not an issue with the device or IOGear's drivers.
Overall, the one thing to consider is that this device is small and technically designed for laptops where the signal will be largely unobstructed. I had some signal problems having it plugged in the back of my desktop under a desk - in the headset you'll notice crackling and people who hear you speaking will say you sound like you're talking through a fan. If this is the case, I recommend buying a USB A Male-to-Female extension cable. I saw one on Amazon.com for just about $5. This will let you actually place the Bluetooth Adapter somewhere on your desk for best reception.
Customer Review: Good solution if you can deal with a few inconveniences
Summary: 4 Stars
Primarily I got this as something that would help create a wireless A2DP (stereo Bluetooth audio) connection with my PC, using the BlackBerry Remote Stereo Bluetooth Gateway. It works well, and I like the small form factor. However, that's one of the things that might be a drawback for some folks, actually. I literally need to use a Fuse Puller to get it out of the USB port. Some people may never need to, but I do for reinstallation of the software, and that's the second topic to be aware of before you purchase.
The software included on a driver disc is a bit bloated, confusing to install, and uselessly out of date. Now the bloatedness is something you'll just have to deal with, since it does after all work mostly well once you get it in place. But but under no circumstances do I recommend following the printed instructions and using the driver disc.
You're much better off just going to Broadcom's Bluetooth Driver site and getting the smaller install package, making sure that when you launch it the adapter is OUT of the USB slot (so Windows doesn't install its own stripped-down BT stack), and then inserting it at the appropriate time. Then the installer will download only the appropriate drivers/BT stack from the web. Much easier.
It's too bad Windows (can't speak to the Mac BT experience) doesn't include comprehensive built-in BT functionality yet, but until then this adapter and this software give an acceptable solution. For a low price, I definitely recommend it.
Customer Review: First time using bluetooth, so far happy.
Summary: 5 Stars
Alright, first thing I should say is this is my first bluetooth device, ever. I kinda stayed clear due the the security of the things, but decide to go the bluetooth route when my mic died and I decided to replace it with a bluetooth cellphone headset.(Work works great in skype so far).
But enough back story, on to the topic at hand. The adapter as you can see in the images, is fairly small and compact. I like this since I use a usb hub for most things connected. This fits snug to the unit, and doesn't get in the way when I connect other devices. So in terms of that, I give it a +.
Installation was a snap as well, on the site you can get the latest drivers for whichever OS you are one(I am on Windows 7 64bit.) To install the drivers, you need the unit to be plugged in first. But after that the set up is a breeze and you will soon have the bluetooth icon in your taskbar.
Now for use. I have only had it for the day, but so far I synced two devices to the unit. One being my cellphone, and the other being a bluetooth headset I recently purchased. the device discovery is rather painless and can be done by adding a new device and having whatever you are trying to sync to find your pc. For your cellphone you may need to use a security code on the computer end as well(Usually 0000), but it will tell you this with a popup, so there is nothing to worry about.
On the testrun I was using this with skype to play an online game with some friends. The convo lasted over and hour and the device didn't drop out once, granted I was close to it the whole time, but still. Things worked well.
Overall I am happy with the unit, and glad I bought it.
Customer Review: Beware before installing with Vista
Summary: 4 Stars
*** My comments (below) are from January 2009. One of the more recent comments (April 2010) states that my issues are no longer valid. Just a heads up that things change/improve over time. ***
The product works (eventually) and is low priced and is tiny. But, before you install it, please consider the following. Customer care by Iogear is horrendous.
The first hurdle is bad instructions. Step 1 for Vista says you MUST insert the device. Then step 8 says DO NOT insert the device. 8 is correct, by the way.
Still, the included ver. 5 drivers do not work with Vista. When you contact the vendor for help, they'll tell you where the ver. 6 drivers reside. They're marked 221 thru 321 so you think they don't work with the 421, but they do. Oh, you need the revised instructions, too. By the way, the included disc says nothing about the software version. You have to watch for it after launching setup.
So, get ver. 6 drivers or later, get the latest instructions, and don't plug in until the drivers are fully installed in Vista.
I asked if the drivers were necessary since Vista wants to provide its own, and tech support said yes, you need to install them.
I tried tech support's live chat. They pointed me to newer instructions that said to wait before connecting, but they said nothing about the ver. 5 drivers and Vista incompatibility. After wasting 2 hours installing and uninstalling, I emailed to tech support. I wrote at midnight and when I got up bright and early, I had a URL for the proper drivers and instructions. The final installation was flawless and the device works fine.
Customer Review: Works Great on iMac G5 With Apple's Magic Mouse
Summary: 5 Stars
I have an iMac G5 (with isight) which supports bluetooth but it didn't come with the bluetooth chip built in. I bought this USB adaptor as it was listed as being Mac compatible and I wanted to use it with the extra Magic Mouse I had (after upgrading my mini to a magic trackpad)
The first thing I noticed is the tiny size. This thing is seriously really tiny. So I proceed to plug it in to an available USB port on the back of my iMac. It fits snuggly into the USB port leaving only a tiny bit of the adaptor exposed in the back. There's no way this is interfering with any other USB devices you may need to plug in...but it also makes it easy to grasp when you need to remove it. So the fit is perfect.
The installation was a breeze on my iMac. It first wanted to set up the unknown USB device as a keyboard. I exited out of the keyboard setup since that's not what I'm doing here. I went to System Preferences and VOILA! I now have a setting for Bluetooth. Like I said, my Mac did support Bluetooth, however it was an optional add-on at the time and was not included. Through the Bluetooth setting, I was able to get my magic mouse paired and it was up and running relatively quickly. I was even able to download the magic mouse driver from apple's website and can even use the magic mouse's special scrolling/swiping settings.
Overall, I was pleasantly surprised. I was happy to achieve wireless mouse capabilities through a third party USB adaptor...and on top of that, at such an affordable price point. I highly recommend this solution for anyone else that may need to add bluetooth capabilities to their Mac.