Bluetooth Question

[arvmenon]

Is Bluetooth really essential in a T42? I mean how often is one going to use it? I am in a dilemma. The 23733XU after discount from Penn State costs only $1949 (orig. $2649). The 2379DXU model with the 60G 7200 rpm and bluetooth costs around $2399 (2279 after discount). I could live with the 40 G harddrive which leaves me with BT. How essential is Bluetooth?

Another funny thing I observed is the difference in price between 2 identical configs. the 23733XU and the 2373JXU (2192 after disc). I cant find any difference between the two. Can anyone point out the difference(s) if any and if there arent, why the difference??

Arvind

[T41mbi]

I think bluetooth option can be upgraded so if you ever need it you can just purchase it (dont mark my words though i am not 100% - do a forum search to double check)

but to answer your question no I have never personally used the bluetooth chip, although I like to leave the option open. Keep in mind bluetooth is a dodgy technology, pairing devices can be sometimes very cumbersome, its not streamlined yet and I dont think bluetooth is here to stay unless these manufactures start getting their act together.

But look if worse comes to worse and you discover that you really need the BT - you can buy B/T USB for $30-40

Although I dont agree with you on the hard drive, 7200rpm is sweeet, that would be a must have on my list.

[mrbjr]

I really enjoy my little bluetooth wireless mouse

[ZPrime]

I really enjoy my little bluetooth wireless mouse

What brand is it? I'm looking for a good bluetooth mouse...

that said, GET THE 7200RPM DRIVE. it will make a much larger difference on the performance/behavior of the machine than having bluetooth does.

[mrbjr]

Kensington.

[PTzero]

I use Bluetooth every day and will not consider getting a laptop without it... until a replacement comes along for the technology. I use a Microsoft Bluetooth Intellimouse which works great except for the battery life. (A set of 2 AAs lasts about 1 month). I also use it to synchronize with my PDA. No need to bring cables everywhere I go. When I'm on the road, I can use Bluetooth to connect to the Internet via my cell phone.

[lvlolvlo]

yeah im in the boat with PTzero. That being said, if you have technology that you would be using heavily with with bluetooth, get the built in, if not...then you could always just upgrade it, or purchase a usb bluetooth adapter.