Iogear Bluetooth to USB Adapter
by IOGEAR
(Click here)
Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: IOGEARAudio: English (Original Language)
Format: CD-ROM
Platform: Mac OS X
Model: GBU301
Product features:
- Allows any computer with USB connections to become a Bluetooth enabled computer
- Enables your computer to connect to your Bluetooth printer and Bluetooth enabled mobile devices wirelessly
- Enables wireless Personal Area Network (PAN) connectivity
- Bluetooth 1.1 compliant, USB 1.1 compliant
- PC and Mac compatible
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Iogear Bluetooth to USB Adapter
Customer Review: Class 1 Device. Simple, Plug and Play. Works as Advertised.
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought two of these, one for my Windoze 98 Sony laptop and one for my G4 desktop Mac. The drivers for Windoze were included, with the warning that there is only limited support of Bluetooth functionality under Windoze 98. Newer Windoze operating systems support full functionality. Mac OS 10.2.X (Jaguar) has built in support for Bluetooth, although an update is available via the Software Update control panel.Installation was easy- just follow the included instructions. I am able to connect the computers to share files, as well as Hotsync both computers with a Sony Clie TG-50 via bluetooth. The Hotsync is not as fast as using the USB cradle, but it's nice to be able to do it while watching TV or walking around the house... of course you still need to plug in the PDA to charge it on occasion.
This adapter is a Class 1 device, which means it works up to 100 yards (660 feet). This was a large factor in my decision to purchase this adapter over the others. Most other adapters are Class 2 or 3 (lower Class number = longer distance), which work at roughly 50 yards (330 feet). Most PDA's are Class 2.
Inside a house with walls, furnature, cordless phones, microwaves and the like... expect much less. I can connect my Clie with either computer about 100 feet through a wall. The computers connect through a wall about 200 feet.
Palm and Sony have updates to connect PDA's to the newer Bluetooth enabled phones as well- enabling you to send contact and calendar information back/forth, exchange photos on camera equipped phones and even access the internet on your PDA via the cell phone connection (with the proper service plan of course).
My package included an instruction booklet for all Windows/Macintosh, a driver CD for Windows and a lanyard to attach to the adapter. The adapter is surprisingly light and small, the lanyard is a nice touch especially for laptop users. The IOGear website has drivers and instructions as well.
Description of Iogear Bluetooth to USB Adapter
Easy Bluetooth Upgrade IOGEARs Bluetooth to USB Adapter allows any computer with USB connections to become a Bluetooth enabled computer, and communicate with other Bluetooth enabled computers and devices without cable connections. It complies with Bluetooth 1.1 and USB 1.1 specifications, and provides users with a 723 Kbps data rate at ranges up to 330 feet. It also enables wireless Personal Area Network (PAN) connectivity to Bluetooth enabled devices such as PDAs, printers, cellular phones, computers, etc. GBU301 is compatible with both PC and Mac. It is easy to install and use, and very portable. It suits for both home and mobile networking needs. Model GBU 301 Allows any computer with USB connections to become a Bluetooth enabled computer Eliminates cables between your computers Enables your computer to connect to your Bluetooth printer and Bluetooth enabled mobile devices (such as PDAs and mobile phones) wirelessly Enables wireless Personal Area Network (PAN) connectivity Bluetooth specification 1.1 compliant USB specification 1.1 compliant Class 1 Bluetooth device enables you to connect your hardware up to 100 meter (330 feet) away Backward compatible with Bluetooth Class 2 and 3 devices Up to 723 Kbps data rate Small form factor makes it easy to carry and place Easy, fast, and intuitive installation and setup Built-in security to assure the privacy of your communication paring, encryption, authentication PC and Mac compatible Requires: available USB port and CDROM