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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Customers in the UK,
Buy this product at amazon.co.uk
for British Pounds
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of IOGEAR USB 2.1 Bluetooth Micro Adapter (GBU421)
Customer Review: I bought this adapter to stream audio to my headset
Summary: 4 Stars
I purchased this GBU421 (only to stream audio) to my Motorola H805 headset with my Acer Aspire PC with Vista. Upon installation of the software, I found that I could do everything except stream audio. I verified that this device was A2DP compliant and actually tested my headset with my work computer which has integrated Bluetooth and WinXP. I was able to receive audio! Knowing that my H805 headset was working, and that IO Gear usually turns out some great product quality, I decided to investigate the software. I downloaded the software that came with my PC, if I had gotten the integrated bluetooth option, Widcomm v 6.0.1.6400, still no audio. So....I go into the control panel and then to the "sound" icon. I saw my system speakers and my H805 headset listed, I selected my H805 headset and the "default" option, and like magic, the audio flows like a river! So...I removed the v6.0.1.6400 Widcomm software and installed the more popular V5.5.0.044 Widcomm software, and it works!
SUMMARY.....The V5.5.4 software works with Vista, but you've got to set your "sound" in windows "control panel" so that your headset is the "default" option!
Equipment....Windows Vista OS, GBU421, Motorola H805, and v5.50.44 Widcomm software.
Hope this helps some of you who purchased this device for the advertised audio capablility!
Good Luck!
JB
Customer Review: Nice, low profile device. Drivers are OK.
Summary: 4 Stars
I have very few complaints about the device. It's small, you can plug it in to a port and forget about it, even on a laptop. It won't get in the way when you pack your laptop up. In being so small, it is also kind of a pain to get out of the USB port; it would have been nice if they designed it with something better to grab onto. That is a very minor point for me though, as I don't really plan on taking it out too often.
Any other complaints I had related to the drivers; which aren't really related to IOGear's product. One reason I wanted the adapter was for the AD2P headset I use. Unfortunately the default Bluetooth stack that comes with XP wouldn't work for the headset (again, not IOGear's fault) so I installed the WIDCOMM CD that came with the adapter. It's ok. I haven't had much time or inclination to mess with it, but I can't seem to get things to automatically re-connect each time I shut off the device or the laptop. I have to put my headset into discoverable mode and then click on the WIDCOMM Bluetooth icon in my task manager to repair the device. Again, I'm not sure that WIDCOMM has anything really to do with IOGear's product; it is a separate company's drivers that IOGear packaged with their product. Is there anything better out there? If so then my complaint with the product is that IOGear didn't include better drivers if they exist.
Customer Review: "It just doesn't work"
Summary: 2 Stars
I use a Motorola ROKR S305 stereo bluetooth headset and a Jawbone ICON bluetooth mono headset. Both paired with my DROID X cell phone and all functions work as advertised without a problem.
With this IOGEAR GBU421 there are a lot of problems (On Windows XP Service pack 3 even). Even when I could get my devices all paired and connected (after it failed with the Windows drivers and I finally installed WIDCOMM - not necessary according to the manufacturer's instructions), it is still intermittant. When connected it does not reliably operate with my devices or with my cell phone.
The ROKR S305 can hear, but cannot speak/record. The Jabone can hear and record sometimes, but sometimes it can do neither. The cell phone can connect, but it cannot transfer a file to the PC.
Tech support had a hard time understanding the problems, and he kept trying to say their device was OK because it did pair and operate with one or two devices - SOMETIMES. It was clear he had little troubleshooting experience, and was not a good listener.
The problem is compounded by the fact that if you read reviews of other products, they all suck for some customers, and this one had the highest reviews on Amazon. Its a fairly sad statement for the state of the PC industry when they cannot get something like this right and reliable. FTS
Customer Review: Poor support and defective product influence this review
Summary: 1 Stars
I purchased this device because I needed to get a bluetooth connection for a 64Bit machine running Vista. I followed the instructions through twice. Why twice? The first time through was the first way the instructions indicated. The second the other way the instructions indicated. Yes, the short one page document was written to say two opposite things, strike one.
I called their tech support, spent a long time on hold. Walked through the procedures their tech had me go through. Not working. Their technician suggested I load a third set of drivers which I had already tried, but with him on the phone to walk me through it. I did it, no success, strike two.
The technician tells me to return it to the store for replacement and that it must be defective.
I asked if I can send it back to them for replacement.
The technician says, "No." I arrange with Amazon to replace it, it is now 0145 am EST. I go to bed, wake up the next day and come to my senses, do I really want to waste another potential five hours? I cancel the replacement order, strike three.
I then ordered a device from HP for about the same cost, that worked the first time the way the instructions indicated. You can't beat that with a stick.
I fear IOGear will not see me among their list of loyal and satisfied customers.
Customer Review: My favorite new toy
Summary: 5 Stars
IOGear USB 2.1 Bluetooth Micro Adapter GBU421
I read the reviews for this adapter before purchasing and was concerned because some customers had problems with installation and use. I installed the adapter software from the included cd on my PC running Windows Vista 32 bit. The installation process took quite a while (could have been my computer running slowly) but after everything was installed, I was able to pair my wireless headset and my cell phone. After approving the connections, I was able to use the headset to make computer to computer calls and transfer photos from my cell phone to my PC.
Previous reviewers commented that the instructions and installation cd included with the adapter were out of date. At the time of my install (Feb. 2010) this issue seems to have been fixed. I inserted the cd, followed the prompts and was able to pair and use my devices immediately. At this time the adapter does not confict with my wireless internet (as another reviewer commented) but I'm being watchful for any problems.
The size of the adapter is also a big plus. No larger than my thumbnail, it can be used in any USB port withough blocking other ports.
I'm very happy with my new bluetooth adapter.