Bluetooth Basics

Bluetooth technology is universally accepted. You see advertisements for Bluetooth allow cell phones, PDAs, and laptops.

Capabilities

"Bluetooth wireless technology is a worldwide requirement for a small-form factor, low-cost radio solution that provides links among mobile computers, mobile phones, other portable handheld devices, and connectivity to the Internet."

The classic specifications of Bluetooth show a maximum transfer rate of 723 kbps and a range of 20-100 meters. This speed is a fraction of that offered by wireless standards, thus it is obvious that Bluetooth doesn’t pose a threat to replace your wireless network.

Practical Applications

There are a variety of products that take advantage of Bluetooth ability, from laptops and PDAs, to earphones and input devices, and wireless printer adapters.
Many Laptops contain an onboard Bluetooth adaptor to allow the system to connect to any Bluetooth device correct out of the box. For notebook or desktop systems that do not have an adaptor built in, many USB Bluetooth adaptors available.
Bluetooth printer adaptors make sharing a printer very convenient by eliminate the want for any wires or particular configurations on a typical network. Printing to any compatible HP printer from a PC, PDA or mobile phone can now be done easily from anywhere in the office.