bluetooth devices....what do you have or wish you had

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UCI2CI · #1 Post by **UCI2CI** » Tue Dec 28, 2004 6:49 am

for those of you with bluetooth Thinkpads, what bluetooth devices are you using or wish you had (provide links if you can)? Things like mice and other gadgets. I have bluetooth on my thinkpad, but i haven't found any bluetooth devices that i like. Maybe you guys know some cool bluetooth gadgets that i dont.

Secondly, are there any bluetooth speakers or bluetooth soundcards out on the market right now?
DLink has a bluetooth audio adapter but it still requires a plug from the PC soundcard

http://www.dlink.com/products/?sec=0&pid=290

ian · #2 Post by **ian** » Tue Dec 28, 2004 7:08 am

I have a Bluetooth mouse that I've raved about here - and I'm waiting the arrival of a Bluetooth printer adapter so that I don't have to plug ANYTHING (except the power lead ) into this unit when I get to work...

The printer adapter is also a useful tool in that a colleague who also has a Bluetooth laptop will be able to share the printer too.

RCube · #3 Post by **RCube** » Tue Dec 28, 2004 7:34 am

my cellphone nokia 6230

UCI2CI · #4 Post by **UCI2CI** » Tue Dec 28, 2004 7:58 am

thanks ian
I have been looking at the Microsoft bluetooth mouse and the logitech one for a while now. I would buy it, but its a bit too big i think. Logitech and microsoft need to come out with some new bluetooth notebook mice.

this would be my ideal mouse:

-smaller size for notebooks
-bluetooth
-BLACK....BLACK mouse. no funky colors. simple looking. (no IOGEAR green please! no dildo )
-Rechargable with a charge meter
-Uses the new laser engine
-auto-shutoff when not associated with another device or when there has been no mouse movement for a while

Logitech, i hope your taking notes

rablaw · #5 Post by **rablaw** » Tue Dec 28, 2004 9:03 am

Ian,

Please post the name and model no. of your bluetooth mouse.

thanks.
drablaw

dwallace · #6 Post by **dwallace** » Tue Dec 28, 2004 9:54 am

I've dabbled with Bluetooth for years trying to find easy-to-use tools for remote Internet use or other stuff. Wireless printing is about as useful as I've found --a small color, HP printer that works on both 802.11b and Bluetooth since I have a small office with limited printer needs.

The promise of a simple "phone as modem" solution never really lived up to the hype. And now Wi-Fi has moved us over that hurdle.

The Bluetooth mice I've sampled have been slower and less accurate than I'd like. Yet I still have a few 3com PCMCIA Bluetooth cards in case I ever have some friends or co-workers who want to network . . . .
DW

ian · #7 Post by **ian** » Tue Dec 28, 2004 10:31 am

rablaw wrote:Ian,

Please post the name and model no. of your bluetooth mouse.

thanks.
drablaw

His name is Eric and he won't give his phone number out on this forum...however, as far as vital statistics go, he's a Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer for Bluetooth and there are so many bloody numbers on the box I don't know what's the correct one for his serial number (seriously!) but I think it's M60-00007

Try Googling Intellimouse Explorer for Bluetooth

ian · #8 Post by **ian** » Tue Dec 28, 2004 10:35 am

Whilst I'd agree this is NOT the smallest mouse, I find ergonomically speaking that it suits me fine - in terms of it's accuracy, I have certainly not found that to come into question at all. There's a small delay when he wakes-up after not having been used for a while - I'm prepared to live with this as I know the batteries are lasting longer effectively being turned off. I'm not going to criticise him too much (he's sitting right next to me...) but I'm quite happy so far, this being the first Bluetooth peripheric I've owned.

sugo · #9 Post by **sugo** » Tue Dec 28, 2004 11:21 am

I have a very differenent experience here with MS bluetooth mouse version 2 (the one with tilt wheel). I bought it a month ago. As much as I wanted to like it, I used it for a week and returned it. I believe it's the same one Ian has:

http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouse ... px?pid=032

The show stopper is its accuracy. When I make the smallest movement, the mouse cursor on screen moved for a long distance. I felt I was moving a pointer on a grid where only intersection points are non-blind spots. Compared with the silk like movement I got from MS USB Intellimouse optical or Logitech MX700, it's night and day.

Here are refresh rates from other mice using a utility called mouserate:

Microsoft USB Intellimouse optical 5 button - 125Hz
Logitech MX700 - 125Hz
Microsoft Bluetooth mouse version 1 - 90Hz
Logitech MX900 - 80Hz
Microsoft Bluetooth mouse version 2 - 50Hz

While I have no scientific support, I suspect the poor accuracy was due to the low refresh rate 50Hz on the MS bluetooth v2.

I did the same in another place where there was no 2.4GHz things around, same deal.

It's very interesting that Ian and some amazon reviewers do not have the same complaint. Perhaps I just got a bad unit but I highly doubt it. I am now using MX900. While battery life is pathetic (3-5 days), it works much better for me.

Back on topic - my most wanted bluetooth device is Sony Ericsson S710a. It will be a long while since I am still very broke after the thinkpad purchase

ian · #10 Post by **ian** » Tue Dec 28, 2004 11:33 am

I think you must have got the Microsoft IncrediblyStupidMouse for Bluetooth - I understand what you're saying, but I honestly don't find this a problem - it's really been fine for me - and I've never even read an Amazon review...

I have a colection of rodents - can't seem to stop buying the [censored] things - and I'll admit I want to like this one as it doesn't have any wires or things to plug into the USB but even so, if it is as bad as you say (I'll keep an eye out now) it'll be going back.

#11 Post by **erik** » Tue Dec 28, 2004 2:06 pm

ian - i don't know if i'd name the object which i double-click on a daily basis "eric." in fact, i don't know if i'll sleep well tonight knowing that i share a similar nomenclature with your pointing device.

my only BT device is a motorola razr v3 that never excersizes its BT or camera functions. i miss the days of simple phones with no games, cameras, or other useless distractions that add zero value to the signal quality or talk/standby numbers. its amazing how marketing gimmicks have taken over our products. heck, i want a BT toaster so i can control the browning level from either my thinkpad or my phone.

but, i like the idea of a BT mouse. the only thing i fear is having one more stupid device that needs a battery or a charger.

-erik

[edited to add a

smiley for ian's sake

]

ian · #12 Post by **ian** » Tue Dec 28, 2004 4:39 pm

I'm saddened that I have to point out, to someone as well-read as yourself in any case (brief case?) that the 'K' is silent...

MichaelMeier · #13 Post by **MichaelMeier** » Tue Dec 28, 2004 5:23 pm

Plinkerton · #14 Post by **Plinkerton** » Tue Dec 28, 2004 6:25 pm

Why'd you buy the RAZR if you want a simple phone? A friend of mine just bought it, and mine is much simpler than his. Great signal too. Just a simple Nokia.

I wish I had BT in my T42. I'd use it mainly for a BT mouse, as my phone doesn't have BT.

Highline · #15 Post by **Highline** » Tue Dec 28, 2004 7:30 pm

RCube,

Are you able to use GPRS with your BT TP through the 6230? I had a 6230 (gave it to my girlfriend) and I was *never* able to use it for a dialup connector. It always had issues.

I use a 6620 now to get on the internet through T-Mobile and it works great with the right modem init. string. I can surf anywhere that T-Mobile has cell coverage!!!!! (on their own network)

I am interested in getting that BT mouse mentioned above too!

#16 Post by **erik** » Tue Dec 28, 2004 7:34 pm

MichaelMeier wrote:Right. I have the same phone and it is my only bluetooth device as well.
They could have made it even smaller without camera. A real pity, but a very nice phone.

i'm amazed that the phone is still as thin as it is with a camera. CCD technology has come a long way in the past few years. japan's lust for technology is what fueled the razr's creation so it's no wonder that it has every available feature and excels at every one.

Plinkerton wrote:Why'd you buy the RAZR if you want a simple phone? A friend of mine just bought it, and mine is much simpler than his. Great signal too. Just a simple Nokia.

my former (and current backup) is an engineering test sample V60i from motorola's schaumburg, illinois office. that was about as "simple" as i could find in a GSM phone. however, i recently switched service providers and needed to add 850MHz to the spectrum, requiring me to find a new phone. the razr may not be "simple" like the V60i but it has the (mostly) aluminum construction that i've grown accustomed to as well as having a much slimmer profile that fits in my pocket.

considering the fact that my cell phone is my only phone, it's nice having something so small -- err, i mean thin.

plus, i like the razr's width as i find myself less inclined to drop it since the phone is actually quite large when opened up.

-erik

wuy30 · #17 Post by **wuy30** » Tue Dec 28, 2004 8:19 pm

Mycurrent BT device attached to my T42 are my MS intelli Keyboard and Mouse combo works great in my opinion. The mouse is bit big and the keyboard is not exactly small either. But I use it everyday for at least 10 hrs, and it has really helped my wrist.

Also attached to my T42 are both of my phone
Panasonic X70 and SonyEricsson T630 (black)

I am loving the BT technology, just wishing they will be cheaper
Looking for a BT headphone, so I don't have to plug in the microphone when I am talking on Skype
and also looking for a BT stereo headphone that actually sounds good

anyone knows any links on the above two item?

sugo · #18 Post by **sugo** » Tue Dec 28, 2004 8:37 pm

um, I believe V3 only has a CMOS camera

Plinkerton, your FVU already has BT antenna so you can easilly add the BT daughter card - like I did for my 3VU:

FRU 91P7319: $57.5
Next day shipping: $13.5
Having internal bluetooth in a beloved thinkpad: priceless

wuy30, if you just want to use Skype you can use a (mono) bluetooth headset for BT phones.

To enjoy wireless music headphone experience, there might still be a long way to go ... probably not until someone can hack a widcomm 4.0 or BlueSoleil driver, or whenever Bill Gates finally understands A2DP profile is the killer app.

ticeton · #19 Post by **ticeton** » Tue Dec 28, 2004 10:50 pm

Where did you find that for $57.50?

#20 Post by **erik** » Wed Dec 29, 2004 1:15 am

sugo wrote:um, I believe V3 only has a CMOS camera

you are correct. i should be more generic and say "image sensor" instead.

-erik

UCI2CI · #21 Post by **UCI2CI** » Wed Dec 29, 2004 1:41 am

thanks everyone for all your replys
After some thinking, i wanna get a bluetooth GPS reciever. I think it would be useful to have one for when your driving around and you get lost. Any shopping advice?

Highline · #22 Post by **Highline** » Wed Dec 29, 2004 1:50 am

UCI2CI wrote:thanks everyone for all your replys
After some thinking, i wanna get a bluetooth GPS reciever. I think it would be useful to have one for when your driving around and you get lost. Any shopping advice?

www.computers.com

^^ -- always my first stop when shopping for anything tech related

#23 Post by **erik** » Wed Dec 29, 2004 2:15 am

ticeton wrote:Where did you find that for $57.50?

through ibm maintenance parts...
http://www-132.ibm.com/content/home/sto ... _main.html

most stuff through there is new. in fact, i recently bought a spare a/c adapter and 6-cell battery for my T42p and both were brand spanking new.

-erik

RogerPodacter · #24 Post by **RogerPodacter** » Wed Dec 29, 2004 5:25 am

sugo wrote:um, I believe V3 only has a CMOS camera

Plinkerton, your FVU already has BT antenna so you can easilly add the BT daughter card - like I did for my 3VU:

FRU 91P7319: $57.5
Next day shipping: $13.5
Having internal bluetooth in a beloved thinkpad: priceless

What about the software/drivers that would have come installed on the laptop with bluetooth? Are they already installed on models that didnt come with bluetooth? Or can they be downloaded from IBM website?

MichaelMeier · #25 Post by **MichaelMeier** » Wed Dec 29, 2004 6:01 am

RCube · #26 Post by **RCube** » Wed Dec 29, 2004 10:19 am

Highline wrote:RCube,

Are you able to use GPRS with your BT TP through the 6230? I had a 6230 (gave it to my girlfriend) and I was *never* able to use it for a dialup connector. It always had issues.

I use a 6620 now to get on the internet through T-Mobile and it works great with the right modem init. string. I can surf anywhere that T-Mobile has cell coverage!!!!! (on their own network)

I am interested in getting that BT mouse mentioned above too!

I just tried after seeing your post. And it works.

I am posting this using GPRS with BT connected at 115.2Kbps. It isn't bad at all. (this is on smartone in hk. I guess they support EDGE)

I just had to install the 6230 bluetooth gprs driver.

Highline · #27 Post by **Highline** » Wed Dec 29, 2004 10:48 am

I am glad to hear it worked for you...

The only thing I could ever use my 6230 BT feature with was contacts and calendar sync... Any big files or modem connection would not work at all.

In fact... I had to buy the USB cable so I could use it as a modem!!

Ghostrider · #28 Post by **Ghostrider** » Wed Dec 29, 2004 12:59 pm

Hi!

I'd like to see a small optical notebook mouse with BT. I don't want to carry a large mouse with a small notebook. If I use the Notebook at home I can attach my Logitech MX1000 or whatever I want but this is not a good option for a notebook that you have to use on a limited space.

So a BT mouse, Li-Ion batterie, charge-meter (maybe like the LEDs of the MX1000), POWER SWITCH (very important) would be nice. Maybe even with the new laser technology inside...

I've ordered a Logitech V500... this mouse has to do the job

ian · #29 Post by **ian** » Wed Dec 29, 2004 1:20 pm

Shame you've already ordered the Logitech - check out the IOGEAR mini BT mouse - I've never seen it 'live' as it were, but on the site it looks pretty small...IOGEAR

Ghostrider · #30 Post by **Ghostrider** » Wed Dec 29, 2004 4:23 pm

I can try to mail my distributor that I want that mouse instead of the logitech but I have never heared anything about IOGEAR mice and have never had the chance to test one myself.
I like the quality of Logitech products. My first 3-button Logitech mouse served me quiet well for 6.5 years... that was from 1990/1991 till 1996 or 1997... I never had bad luck with logitech devices and like their handling much more than the microsoft stuff.
But what's about "IOGEAR"? How long will it function? How long will I be able to use the mouse without recharging? What's about the workmanship of this mouse?
I'm not the easiest customer out there...

bluetooth devices....what do you have or wish you had

bluetooth devices....what do you have or wish you had

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