What is InfaRed used for on a ThinkPad?

[A31]

hi all,
I've got a question - what is infared used for on a thinkpad? I'm just curious to know and find out.
thanks! A31

[goofyGAguy]

Data transfer, for example from a cell phone, PDA, etc.

[rkawakami]

Think of it as a poor man's version of peer-to-peer networking. In other words, you can transfer files between two infrared equipped pieces of hardware. The "other" piece can be another computer, or a printer, a PDA, or even a cell phone. I've used my Sony Ericsson phone plenty of times to send pictures to my laptop. It beats having to remove the memory stick or sending the file via email.

[emeraldgirl08]

Think of it as a poor man's version of peer-to-peer networking. In other words, you can transfer files between two infrared equipped pieces of hardware. The "other" piece can be another computer, or a printer, a PDA, or even a cell phone. I've used my Sony Ericsson phone plenty of times to send pictures to my laptop. It beats having to remove the memory stick or sending the file via email.

Or a "poor ramen-noodle eating college girl's" version of peer-to-peer networking

I still use an Axim X51v and sometimes if you forget an SD card adapter or the USB-to-PDA sync cable the infra-red will come in handy!

Of course my PDA has Bluetooth but sometimes the laptop or the PDA gets snooty and it won't cooperate

I wouldn't advise transferring huge file(s) though. It's very pokey but documents, small megapixel pictures, and single songs are okay to transfer.

[Radioguy]

I remain a proponent of IR as a basic integrated feature on TPs. Considering the low cost + small size of IR chipsets and diodes these days, there's plenty of room along the palmrest or LCD bezel for ten of them.

Why? Some current and new medical devices like glucometers still use IR for data transfer. Also low cost remotes could be used without dongles for media center or presentations. IR should still be as basic an included feature as audio jacks are.

Just my two cents....probably enough for that diode.

[A31]

So it's like bluetooth then - data transfer between PDAs, mobile phones etc...
Thanks!

[mpcook]

I have a 10 years old (I am guessing) HP Laserjet 5P, still chugs along and prints great quality B&W. If I park a TP anywhere near it, the TP will find and install the printer, and it will print just fine from across the room...no cables needed. I have also walked in on two T23's "mating" with each other, when they're oriented in the right directions to each other, they will find and mate with little effort. Files going back and forth. Slow but sure.

Mike

[killer]

I have used IR to use System Migration Assistant to copy programs across between two Thinkpads. It worked a treat!