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Using a Bluetooth Headset with your PC by Nathan Smith
If you use your computer for Voice over IP (VoIP) applications, chances are that at some time you've experienced frustration with the cords associated with traditional PC headsets. Imagine being able to roam throughout your home whilst talking to people around the world using a PC headset unencumbered by the constraints of wires. Whether you use a headset for PC to Phone conversations, instant messaging, gaming or video-conferencing, a Bluetooth solution may be just the ticket for your wireless cravings.
Bluetooth
For those of you not familiar with the term, Bluetooth refers to a wireless protocol (or set of rules) designed for short range electronic applications (usually less than 30 feet in distance). Although the technology has been around for several years, Bluetooth support for PC users has been limited due to hardware manufacturers focusing on the more traditional 802.11 wireless network protocols (wifi). In reality, Bluetooth and wifi achieve different purposes and each has its pros and cons.
Cellular Telephone Bluetooth Headsets
The cellular telephone community has long embraced Bluetooth technology, developing and refining numerous wireless devices. One of the more popular Bluetooth applications for cellular telephones has been cordless headsets which enable users to leave their telephone in their bag or pocket while still being able to make and receive calls. Bluetooth headsets are generally very lightweight, worn over one ear and achieve talk times from 1-4 hours before needing a recharge.
Bluetooth PC Headset?
So if cellular telephone users have warmly embraced Bluetooth headsets, why not the PC community? At the time of writing, this author knows of no PC hardware manufacturer who has designed a Bluetooth Headset primarily for use with a PC. However, there is nothing to prevent a PC user from using a cellular phone Bluetooth Headset with their PC. Keep in mind though, these headsets were originally envisioned for cellular phone use and may need a bit of 'tweaking' before they'll perform as well as 'corded' headsets on your computer.
USB Bluetooth Adapter
Unless you own a relatively expensive notebook PC, odds are that your computer doesn't natively support the Bluetooth protocol. If this is the case, you'll need an 'Adapter' or 'Dongle' in order to make your computer 'Bluetooth enabled'. Bluetooth adapters are generally very small (a few inches long) and insert into a vacant USB port on your computer. When purchasing an adapter it's critical that you buy one that supports the 'headset protocol'. The headset protocol is merely a set of rules which enables your Bluetooth adapter to communicate with and make use of Bluetooth headsets in its vicinity. If your adapter does not support the headset protocol, no amount of 'tweaking' will get your headset working with your PC. Adapters generally run between $20 - $80 USD and can be purchased at most PC retailers.
Buying a Bluetooth Headset
Bluetooth headsets for cellular phones are generally very expensive when compared with conventional 'corded' PC headsets. Depending on where you buy your headset, you could spend anywhere from $20 to $200+ USD. If you're looking for a relatively inexpensive headset that'll simply enable you to make wireless VoIP calls using your PC, I recommend looking on Ebay. Although prices vary considerably on Ebay between merchants for similar products, overall they are considerably less expensive than purchasing the same headset from a telephone store. A word of caution about Ebay though; ensure that you read the fine print associated with shipping costs. Some Ebay merchants advertise Bluetooth Headsets for $5 USD however the real cost quickly rises to $35+ when you account for their often exorbitant shipping charges.
'Pairing' the Headset with your PC
Once your computer is 'Bluetooth enabled' and you've obtained a Bluetooth headset, you'll need to 'pair' the headset with your computer in order to use it for VoIP applications. This is usually just a matter of setting your headset in 'discovery mode' and allowing your PC to 'search' or 'discover' Bluetooth devices. The steps needed to enable discovery mode on your headset and adapter will vary between devices and should be clearly explained in the documentation accompanying your devices.
Adjusting your Audio Settings
Depending on your hardware and operating system, you may need to make adjustments to your audio settings after the headset is 'paired' with your PC. In the Windows operating system, this will involve accessing 'Audio Properties' through the 'Control Panel' and setting the audio and voice devices to your newly paired Bluetooth headset. Again, adjusting these settings should be covered in the documentation accompanying both your headset and Bluetooth adapter.
Once you're up and running, you'll wonder why you didn't adopt this wireless headset solution sooner. The freedom to wander away from your computer whilst maintaining voice over Internet conversations is something you'll come to appreciate and love.
About the Author
Nathan is the owner of netphonedirectory.com which deals specifically with PC to Phone and PC to PC VoIP. The site includes a comprehensive directory of PC to Phone service providers as well as information on VoIP and what you need to make inexpensive long-distance telephone calls using your computer
Volkswagen is the first automaker to offer its customers a factory-fitted automotive communication solution that supports the Bluetooth SIM Access Profile. The handset integration product provides compatibility with a wide range of mobile phones from various manufacturers. A mobile phone holder is also offered as an option for users who wish to charge their phone in the car.
The Nokia Car Phone with Bluetooth Technology for the VW Passat is set for launch in Europe and Asia in 2nd quarter 2005."For the first time, an automaker is offering a communication solution using the Bluetooth SIM Access Profile that is factory-fitted in the vehicle. This represents an important engineering achievement: we have taken a further step toward universality and factory-installed, integrated communication solutions. The user can now take advantage of wide-ranging compatibility with a large number of mobile phones without having to rely on aftermarket solutions", says Marcus Stahl, General Manager Nokia Automotive.
The Nokia Car Phone with Bluetooth Technology can access the SIM card of the compatible mobile phone and log onto the GSM network. As soon as the user gets out of the car or presses a certain button on his mobile phone, the receiving mode is deactivated and the mobile phone automatically logs back onto the mobile network.
The VW Passat's Nokia Blue Tooth includes key functions such as radio mute and downloading of phonebook entries from compatible mobile phones via Bluetooth wireless technology, as well as additional basic functions such as voice dial, taking and ending calls, and redial.
As Volkswagen keeps producing cars with cutting edge technology, Partstrain maintains its lead on product excellence by its continuous supply of top grade Volkswagen Aftermarket and Replacement parts.
Partstrain offers top of the line Volkswagen Parts. The customer has a choice from a vast array of Performance Parts, Replacement Parts, Aftermarket Parts and accessories. It offers new and used Volkswagen auto body and engine parts, headlights, transmission parts, taillights, radiators, wheels, rims, and more.
You can shop securely for your Volkswagen parts with Parts Train's online store at http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/VOLKSWAGEN .The Volkswagen OEM parts you need are in stock and ready to be shipped.
About the Author: Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today.
Bluetooth Technology:; Tips for Buying Headsets or Headphones
Bluetooth Technology: Tips for Buying Headsets or Headphones by Simon Canfield
The technological horizon has always got something new to offer, and among the most recent of these offerings is Bluetooth enhanced hardware. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this latest-and-greatest technology, headsets and headphones in the Bluetooth line offer the ability to use your cell phone without the need for hands or dangling wires. In other words, when you have one of these, you've got yourself a wireless piece of hardware that attaches to the ear which allows cell phone communications to take place without the inconvenience or hassle of holding the phone to your ear or trailing long wires from the headset to the body of the phone.
If you're toying with the idea of purchasing a Bluetooth headset or set of headphones, you'll need to understand that - as a result of the nature of this type of technology - they aren't as small or light as a headset that isn't wireless. This is simply because it needs extended technology in order to function, as well as a battery to be used as its power source. What this means is that many of these sets are rather bulky and can be a bit uncomfortable. If that's not something that you're willing to accept, then perhaps Bluetooth isn't the product for you.
One of the biggest benefits of this type of technology is that it affords you the opportunity to have a conversation on your cell phone without having to hold it up to your head. With the concerns of harmful radiation that's emitted by these phones, the Bluetooth headsets and headphones serve as a buffer and eliminate the exposure to these harmful rays. It also allows you to make contact with your computer and lets you use one headset for both the cell phone and PC simultaneously. If you feel that you're going to have the need for features such as these, then consider purchasing this type of product.
Though Bluetooth products such as these are compatible with most types of phones and carriers, that's not true in every case. Before making a purchase, be sure that there are no compatibility issues. You'll need to be sure that your phone complies with Bluetooth 1.1 or greater and that it offers the options of both hands-free and headset capabilities. Plug compatibility isn't an issue, since it's a wireless unit.
If you're not planning to wear the headset or headphones all day, then you'll need to be sure that they're kept close at hand if a call should happen to come in on your phone. You may need to place it on a cord around your neck so that you're free to move about without the worry of leaving your Bluetooth somewhere. That means that you'll have to ensure that your equipment has a loop that will allow a strap connection.
Other things to consider are whether or not your set can be used if you wear eyeglasses, the cost and range of the unit, ease and comfortability of use, weight, the ability to switch from one ear to the other, technical support, the presence of a pairing password, appropriate monitors for battery limits, effective noise cancellation and a plethora of other features that you may feel are necessary.
About the Author
******* (c) 2005 Simon Canfield - All Rights Reserved
Simon Canfield is a hi-tech enthusiast and freelance author.
Bluetooth now poised to fulfill its promise by Raymond Klesc
No question about it, Bluetooth is very handy thanks to its improved integration with computers, cell phones and automobiles.
When Bluetooth first appeared about five years ago, the hype far outstripped its usefulness. The ability to eliminate the tangles of cords and cables was very alluring. Unfortunately, cost and complexity almost brought the technology to its knees.
Now its back, alive and well, fulfilling its promise as a useful tool in a variety of settings.
Europe was its early adopter and it is standard on nearly all European cell phones. They have adopted Bluetooth enabled phones, laptops, wireless keyboards, mice and more.
Sexy Headsets: Cingular and T-Mobile wireless carriers use the same technology as their European counterparts and thus offer Bluetooth enabled devices for their customers. Bluetooth is rarer from Sprint and Verizon Communications which are based on North American technologies.
One major boost for adoption of Bluetooth enabled mobile phones will come from State and local governments. Many new laws and ordinances have been adopted or are in various stages of implementation that will levy fines for driving and using a hand held cell phone. The push for hands-free calling will move Bluetooth forward in the marketplace.
Acura TL now offers Bluetooth integrated into the automobile allowing the driver to use the cars stereo system as a speakerphone and displays information on the dashboard. Bluetooth car kits are now available from Motorola, Nokia, Parrot and others for about $100.
Early teething problems included high cost and poor battery life and made it unattractive for handsets. But now Logitech's Mobile Bluetooth handset can be had for about $50. The $140 Jabra BT800, which lets you control many cell-phone functions on the headset, offers six hours of talk time and five days of standby. After that, you can recharge by running a USB cable from the headset into a laptop so you don't need to take a charger with you. A headset on the way from Plantronics will come with adapters that allow charging from most phone adapters or from an AA battery.
Bluetooth Linking: Beyond mobile phones, Bluetooth is beginning to make inroads into other aspects of wireless communication. Although Windows support is somewhat primitive by current standards, the technology is standard on Apple Macintoshes and optional on other products. Apple uses the latest, faster version of Bluetooth. If Mac detects a Bluetooth enabled keyboard and mouse during startup, it will link to them automatically.
PalmOne is also a big supporter of Bluetooth. PalmOne's software overcomes most of the Windows difficulties and allows their handheld devices to sync and swap files with a Windows laptop over Bluetooth. Making sync work with a new Mac PowerBook is even easier. As for Microsoft's primitive Bluetooth world, it is possible to get a Pocket PC to sync with Windows over Bluetooth, but is only for the technically savvy.
Bluetooth Worth Waiting For: Bluetooth still falls short. Early promoters envisioned that you would be able to walk up to a printer with your laptop of PDA, click a button, and print. We're still waiting for that one. Bluetooth printers are rare but we can assume that the advent of Bluetooth enabled digital camera phones will spur this technology further and make for easy printing of those treasured moments.
The technology savvy users are an impatient lot. If it doesn't catch on right away they move on to something newer and different. If anything, Bluetooth has proven that acceptance can take a while. But isn't it worth the wait?
We technology watchers are an impatient lot who tend to give up on anything that doesn't catch on right away. Bluetooth has proved once again that acceptance can take a long time -- and that sometimes it's worth the wait.
About the Author
About Global Value Connect: Global Value Connect ( http://www.globalvalueconnect.com ) has been providing the best value in telecommunication products and services for the home or office since 1995. If you want to cut your telephone bill in half register today for our free eBook entitled "Telephone Bill Saving Tips for Home and Office" and is available at: http://www.globalvalueconnect.com/Saving_Tips.htm
