Bluetooth, what is it used for?

[Namael]

My IBM T40 comes with bluetooth and I'm confused as to what I can use it for and how it works. I'm just wondering cause I find it interesting.

Also, what can I use the infared thing at the front of the laptop for? I'm completely lost when it comes to these things. I know Bluetooth is some sort of wireless connection for peripherals but from what I understand, most products come with a blutetooth reciever for it.

 

[Paul]

Bluetooth is used for PANs. (Personal Area Networks) Usually the range is around 10 meters.
Ex. I use my cell phone to connect to the internet through GPRS and the phone is connected to the laptop via Bluetooth.

Infared is used for file transfers, remotes, etc...

 

[nanyangview]

or u can get a MS bluetooth mouse and use it with ur lappy..

that is what i am getting for my T40p this weekend.

 

[nanyangview]

or u can get a MS bluetooth mouse and use it with ur lappy..

that is what i am getting for my T40p this weekend.

 

[Namael]

Hmm can you buy that mouse? Went searching at microsoft and can't find it at their store or on any other store.

 

[eriqesque]

Compusa online has em so do best buy i believe
but according to IBM if you use the micorsoft default drivers on the T40 you will be able to use the mouse and keyboard but thats it.
also according to IBM if you install they're drivers and software you will be able to use all other bluetooth compatible devices except for the mouse keyboard.

 

[jschuk]

Some printers are coming bluetooth enabled as well. I heard of the possibility of some wireless digital cameras, but I don't know which protocol they were considering (Bluetooth would the the logical one).

 

[Shivatron]

Originally posted by: eriqesque
Compusa online has em so do best buy i believe
but according to IBM if you use the micorsoft default drivers on the T40 you will be able to use the mouse and keyboard but thats it.
also according to IBM if you install they're drivers and software you will be able to use all other bluetooth compatible devices except for the mouse keyboard.

Can anyone confirm? Would this mean, for instance, I couldn't use a T68i and a Microsoft Bluetooth Mouse at the same time? That would really suck.

 

[eriqesque]

Originally posted by: Atticu5

Originally posted by: eriqesque
Compusa online has em so do best buy i believe
but according to IBM if you use the micorsoft default drivers on the T40 you will be able to use the mouse and keyboard but thats it.
also according to IBM if you install they're drivers and software you will be able to use all other bluetooth compatible devices except for the mouse keyboard.

Can anyone confirm? Would this mean, for instance, I couldn't use a T68i and a Microsoft Bluetooth Mouse at the same time? That would really suck.

Here is the part of the readme file that states such second paragraph: also link to readme file

- Under Windows XP, when you are turning on the Bluetooth power for
the first time after the software installation, the operating system
displays a Found New Hardware Wizard dialog box, press the
following three buttons: Next, Continue Anyway, and Finish.
- Under Windows XP, if you install IBM Integrated Bluetooth II
Software over the Microsoft Standard Bluetooth software, input
devices such as a Bluetooth Mouse or a Bluetooth Keyboard cannot be
used.
- Under Windows XP, if you install IBM Integrated Bluetooth II
Software over the Microsoft Standard Bluetooth software and you
want to go back to the Microsoft Bluetooth, uninstall the IBM
Integrated Bluetooth II Software and perform the following steps.
1. Turn the Bluetooth power on.
2. If asked the location of the bth_oobc.dll file, point to the
location C:\Windows\System32.

ReadMe File

 

[Namael]

That's kind of dumb. Couldn't they just make it compatible for both?

 

[mocca]

I mostly use the BT on my T40p with my cellphone. Sync the address book, transfer files have never been easier and more flexible between a laptop and cellphone Oh, and some PDA can use BT too which is quite useful if you don't have the sync cradle nearby.

Mocca

 

[vegetation]

Also, what can I use the infared thing at the front of the laptop for? I'm completely lost when it comes to these things. I know Bluetooth is some sort of wireless connection for

Since nobody answered:

Infrared port is an old school, slow, transfer method. Line of sight transfer, so you cannot jostle the two devices when they are synced. These infrared transmitters are very weak so you practically have to keep them next to each other. Practically all PDAs have some sort of infrared port, some cell phones do as well, and of course you can use it to communicate with another laptop. It's pretty darn reliable as a communication method compared to bluetooth, so it's good to have to fallback on, but very slow. I think it tops out at 128kbps.

 

[KoolAidKid]

I believe that the latest standard for IrDA tops out at 4Mb/s.