Bluetooth

[imbest123]

what exaclty is bluetooth? Also what are its advantages adn disadvantages?

[Mac Medic]

bluetooth is a short range wireless technology on the 2.4ghz spectrum that was developed as a cable replacement technology. wireless bluetooth devices talk to each other and share files etc. just like devices on an 802.11 network. I currently use a bluetooth KB/Mouse, bluetooth iPaq 5555 PDA and a bluetooth cell phone and headset. No cables to worry about and a good strong signal out to 30 feet or so. The only thing that can be a pain is initially pairing devices together. Each manufacturer seems to have their own way of doing this and it can get confusing at times, i think this procedure should have been ratified at the same time the hardware standard was finalized but i guess it wasn't.

[imbest123]

Is it any better than normal wireless part such as a normal wireless keyboard and mouse? and if it is how is it better?

[Mac Medic]

It allows for a longer range and had 128bit encryption so that your keystrokes cannot be captured, it also (depending on the KB/Mouse) utilises frequency hopping to avoid any interference.

[imbest123]

oh ok thnx, i have an 802.11b setup right now and it hasnt interfered with any other of my wireless setups so i think ill pass on bluetooth.

[yellohut]

bluetooth also uses very little power compared to 802.11b.
it is very usefull for short range and peripherals.

[Mac Medic]

You're more likely to get interference with a RF mouse and 802.11 than with bluetooth, but if you already have a wireless mouse bluetooth doesn't really make sense. I got my KB/Mouse simply because my Mac has internal bluetooth so i don't have to deal with a dongle of any kind and it makes using a mouse on the road even easier.