Showing posts with label bluetooth dongle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bluetooth dongle. Show all posts

1/03/2012

Azio BTD-V201 USB Micro Bluetooth Adapter, Class 1, V2.1 + EDR Review

Azio BTD-V201 USB Micro Bluetooth Adapter, Class 1, V2.1 + EDR
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I looked at a zillion of these Bluetooth adapters, wanting to add BT to my wife's PC to sync her BlackBerry, and I saw this one consistently reviewed among the best on every site that sold it.
I'm running Windows 7 64 bit, the installation could not have been easier, I simply enabled the BT services in Win7, then plugged it into a USB port, and Win7 did the rest. The whole deal took less than 1 minute.
What attracted me to this adapter was it seemed to work farther away than most of the other adapters, according to others who had purchased several different ones.
The cool part is now my wife can sync her BlackBerry with her Outlook calendar - when her computer is upstairs in her office, and her BlackBerry is downstairs in the kitchen in her purse !!
Highly recommend this adapter, I'll be getting more for my other computers.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Azio BTD-V201 USB Micro Bluetooth Adapter, Class 1, V2.1 + EDR

CPU, Memory, Systems, Notebooks, and Software products are not returnable for Credit. Condition and terms A 15 days from date of invoice; during first 7 days no restocking fee will be charged in most cases, provided item(s) are returned as new, unopened, complete and in re-sellable condition. After 7 days a 15% restocking fee will apply.

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11/28/2011

Cirago Micro USB Bluetooth 3.0 Adapter Class 2 Review

Cirago Micro USB Bluetooth 3.0 Adapter Class 2
Average Reviews:

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This is NOT the new 3.0 + HS Bluetooth standard protocal. It DOES NOT use AMP/PAL which uses the colocated 802.11 at speeds up to 24Mbits/second. NOT the 1 to 3 Mbits/second of the old 2.1 Bluetooth that this Cirago uses.

It is very misleading for Cirago to 'cash in' on false advertising claims. Cirago's claim to the 3.0 in the name has to do with Mbits/second data transfer speeds, hence 3.0Mbits/second NOT Bluetooth 3.0 HS.
As a 2.1 device it is excellent and merits 5 stars. But shame on Cirago for some dirty tricks.
To understand the significance of this new 3.0 protocol from the older 2.1 a brief breakdown is in order.
History 101:
Bluetooth uses a radio technology called frequency-hopping spread spectrum, which chops up the data being sent and transmits chunks of it on up to 79 bands (1 MHz each) in the range 2402-2480 MHz. This range is in the 2.4 GHz short-range radio frequency band.
Originally Gaussian frequency-shift keying (GFSK) modulation was the only modulation scheme available; subsequently, since the introduction of Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, /4-DQPSK and 8DPSK modulation may also be used between compatible devices. Devices functioning with GFSK are said to be operating in basic rate (BR) mode where a gross data rate of 1 Mbit/s is possible. The term enhanced data rate (EDR) is used to describe /4-DPSK and 8DPSK schemes, each giving 2 and 3 Mbit/s respectively. The combination of these (BR and EDR) modes in Bluetooth radio technology is classified as a "BR/EDR radio".
Bluetooth is a packet-based protocol with a master-slave structure. One master may communicate with up to 7 slaves in a piconet; all devices share the master's clock. Packet exchange is based on the basic clock, defined by the master, which ticks at 312.5 µs intervals. Two clock ticks make up a slot of 625 µs; two slots make up a slot pair of 1250 µs. In the simple case of single-slot packets the master transmits in even slots and receives in odd slots; the slave, conversely, receives in even slots and transmits in odd slots. Packets may be 1, 3 or 5 slots long but in all cases the master transmit will begin in even slots and the slave transmit in odd slots.
Bluetooth v3.0 + HS
Version 3.0 + HS of the Bluetooth Core Specification was adopted by the Bluetooth SIG on April 21, 2009. It supports theoretical data transfer speeds of up to 24 Mbit/s, though not over the Bluetooth link itself. Instead, the Bluetooth link is used for negotiation and establishment, and the high data rate traffic is carried over a colocated 802.11 link. Its main new feature is AMP (Alternate MAC/PHY), the addition of 802.11 as a high speed transport. Two technologies had been anticipated for AMP: 802.11 and UWB, but UWB is missing from the specification.
Applications
With the availability of Bluetooth version 3.0 HS, you can expect to move large data files of videos, music and photos between your own devices and the trusted devices of others, without the need for cables and wires. Some applications you will experience include:
-Wirelessly bulk synchronize music libraries between PC and music player or phone
-Bulk download photos to a printer or PC
-Send video files from camera or phone to computer or television
Technical Specifications
This new specification release includes several major enhancements:
-Generic Alternate MAC/PHY (AMP)
-802.11 Protocol Adaptation Layer (PAL)
-Generic Test Methodology
-Enhanced Power Control
-Unicast Connectionless Data
It will take 6 months to a year before devices start shipping with the new B/T 3.0 HS and even longer before us consumers replace our older 2.0 and 2.1 B/T devices.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Cirago Micro USB Bluetooth 3.0 Adapter Class 2

The Cirago Micro USB Bluetooth adapter comes with full Bluetooth 3.0 functionality in a size that is barely larger than a USB port itself. It unlocks the benefits of Bluetooth for any computer with an available USB port: transfer files and structured data such as electronic business cards or calendar entries to smartphones and PDAs, connect to Bluetooth keyboards, mice, printers or headsets with a range of up to 33 feet.

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11/27/2011

BLUETOOTH 1.2/2.0 USB 2.0 100M Review

BLUETOOTH 1.2/2.0 USB 2.0 100M
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This card does not, and I will repeat, DOES NOT, work as a common customer would expect it to. It will NOT run with any built in bluetooth software (i.e. Windows Bluetooth functionality) Instead it utilizes a BlueSolei software package that does not offer the same functionality as a name brand bluetooth card (which supports the in house software). This is a textbook case of cheap, quick manufactured technology pawned off on unsuspecting customers that believe they are getting a bargain. Notice how there is no company name behind this product (i.e. Linksys, Belkin, MSI, etc) Do yourself a favor- pay the extra amount for a quality product that offers support for their customers. You will have more success with drivers for multiple versions of the operating system you will use and also have access to fully functioning software. Do not buy this product, Do some research. Do not be fooled by a bargain priced item.

Click Here to see more reviews about: BLUETOOTH 1.2/2.0 USB 2.0 100M

Get more done with the power of Bluetooth! Transfer files between your computer and any Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as cell phones, PDAs, printers, headsets, and more. Create on-the-fly networks between two computers w/ Bluetooth. This simple USB adapter acts as an antenna for your computer, giving it Bluetooth capability.This bluetooth dongle comes with a full version of BlueSoleil software and drivers. However, the software is not licensed to every type and model of hardware that is capable of using Bluetooth. If the software detects hardware that does not match the license keys it expects, then the software will impose a 5MB data transfer limitation. To overcome that limitation, users must purchase a different version of BlueSoleil software separately. We apologize for any inconvenience.

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11/19/2011

ASUS USB-BT21 - USB Bluetooth 2.0 Adapter - EDR (3Mbps) Review

ASUS USB-BT21 - USB Bluetooth 2.0 Adapter - EDR (3Mbps)
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This is a good, cheap way for me to add bluetooth to my computers. The size of the dongle is great for my laptop since I don't need to remove it when I stick the laptop in the case. There is a driver disk that came in the package but with Win 7 ultra 64-bit it had me download and install drivers which is just fine since it works well with any bluetooth device I have used with it (keyboard, mouse, headset, cell phone!). I liked the first one enough that I just ordered a second one for my desktop which also used Win 7 ultra 64 bit.

Click Here to see more reviews about: ASUS USB-BT21 - USB Bluetooth 2.0 Adapter - EDR (3Mbps)

ASUS USB-BT21 Mini Bluetooth Dongle- Tiny Size and Colorful Design to spice your Laptops, Latest Bluetooth v2.0 specification with EDR function enables data transfer up to 3Mbps,Support 19 Profiles for Windows and 8 Profiles for Mac OS, Support A2DP for Wireless Stereo Music Playback.

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11/17/2011

Bluetooth CLASS2 Mini Adapter Plug-n-play 10 Range Review

Bluetooth CLASS2 Mini Adapter Plug-n-play 10 Range
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I bought this adapter after looking at the fantastic reviews. The adapter does not work effectively with Windows XP. After following the half-baked instructions in the manual, I downloaded the so called drivers for USB50BT for windows XP. Turns out the drivers was actually a software called 'Bluesoleil'. Automatically the software registered itself as an evaluation copy which means it switches off itself after 5-10 minutes till you restart the software again to listen to the music or buy the full version of the software. The adapter does seem to work fine with the software and I could listen to the music on my Motorola S9-HD from my PC without any interruption but then when I checked how much the software costs to buy, it shows around 20 EUR which is crap. I think the merchant should notify the customers about the purchase of the software if they buy this doongle.
I am returning the product.Bluetooth CLASS2 Mini Adapter Plug-n-play 10 Range

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BLUETOOTH MINI ADAPTER CLASS2

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11/14/2011

Wireless USB 2.4GHz Bluetooth 2.0 Dongle Adapter for PC Laptop Notebook Review

Wireless USB 2.4GHz Bluetooth 2.0 Dongle Adapter for PC Laptop Notebook
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Read the title. Waste of time and 6$. It keeps telling me I dont have a serial number. Leads me to believe this peice of hardware has been pirated somehow. The version shipped with it is 1.47... The newest is 6.54 something. Attempting to upgrade via in-app help menu, led me to a website that does not exist. It was almost spelled right but not quite. Then the website that wants my 20$ has all kinds of typos. This product is real bad. I have one. If you drive by, maybe you can get it as I throw it out the window. If you expect to get anything other than garbage for pennies, you are as big of fool as I was. Do not buy this product.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Wireless USB 2.4GHz Bluetooth 2.0 Dongle Adapter for PC Laptop Notebook

Get more done with the power of Bluetooth! Transfer files between your computer and any Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as cell phones, PDAs, printers, headsets, and more. Create on-the-fly networks between two computers w/ Bluetooth. This simple USB adapter acts as an antenna for your computer, giving it Bluetooth capability.This bluetooth dongle comes with a full version of BlueSoleil software and drivers. However, the software is not licensed to every type and model of hardware that is capable of using Bluetooth. If the software detects hardware that does not match the license keys it expects, then the software will impose a 5MB data transfer limitation. To overcome that limitation, users must purchase a different version of BlueSoleil software separately. We apologize for any inconvenience.

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11/07/2011

Cirago Bluetooth BTA3210 v2.1 EDR Class 2 Micro Bluetooth Adapter Review

Cirago Bluetooth BTA3210 v2.1 EDR Class 2 Micro Bluetooth Adapter
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
The Good
-"Just works"
-Linux compatible
-Very small size
The Bad
-Connector & plastic part protrude from USB port ~1/2"
-Terrible signal - max 50% with cell phone hovering just over device (file transfers do work)
-Few feet of range gives me 10-30% signal, most file transfers initiate but fail

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cirago Bluetooth BTA3210 v2.1 EDR Class 2 Micro Bluetooth Adapter

Zotac ION PCI Express Graphic Card Upgrade Kit ION-GPU-A-E

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10/07/2011

Plantronics Bluetooth USB Adapter BUA-100 Review

Plantronics Bluetooth USB Adapter BUA-100
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I bought the BUA-100 to work with my Plantronics Voyager 510 Bluetooth Headset. My company recently deployed Cisco IP Softphones. After doing a little research, I found that by combining the voyager 510 headset with this bluetooth dongle, I could use the call control button on the headset to answer and end calls just like a cell phone.
I read several reviews here from people that had tried to use regular bluetooth dongles to pair with their headsets, but none of them seemed completely happy with the result. I decided not to chance it and bought the BUA-100 even though it is somewhat pricey compared to other bluetooth adapters.
It does not work with Bluetooth devices other than plantronics headsets, so you are not getting a multi use bluetooth adapter in this, more like just a dongle to connect your headset to your pc.
The button on the dongle allows you to easily pair it with your headset. Just put your headset into pairing mode then push the button on the dongle. They will be paired in a second or two.
For range, it behaves as standard bluetooth. When I walk away from my pc, I can get about 15 feel or so before I hear a little static, which gets progressively worse the farther you go.
All in all I am very happy with the combination of this and the voyager 510 headset and would recommend it to others.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Plantronics Bluetooth USB Adapter BUA-100

Plantronics BUA-100 Bluetooth USB adapter allows wireless connectivity to VoIP softphones. Designed to be paired with your existing Plantronics Voyager Bluetooth headset, the BUA-100 allows wireless freedom, while communicating in the office or on the go. BUA-100 includes the Plantronics USB Bluetooth adapter, PerSonoCall software, USB extension cable, and travel pouch.

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9/27/2011

Sabrent BT-USBT Micro Wireless Bluetooth 2.5Ghz (100 meter) USB 2.0 Dongle - v2.0 - 3Mbps Review

Sabrent BT-USBT Micro Wireless Bluetooth 2.5Ghz (100 meter) USB 2.0 Dongle - v2.0 - 3Mbps
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I found this worked on my Vista 32-bit system only with the BlueSoliel software that the vendor provides as a download on their site. The problem is that it is unlicensed and only runs for a very short time at which point you have to purchase the software. Sent it back.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sabrent BT-USBT Micro Wireless Bluetooth 2.5Ghz (100 meter) USB 2.0 Dongle - v2.0 - 3Mbps

Add Bluetooth wireless technology to your PC or notebook! This transparent blue device features a USB interface. With an operating range of up to 100m, you can easily transfer data to other Bluetooth devices! It supports Bluetooth voice data, offers multi-language support and plugs into any device with a USB port! Features : Provides encrypted link security. Allows user the ability to create a Bluetooth Personal Area Network with other compatible Bluetooth devices. Share/Edit/Print documents via Bluetooth. Access internet via Bluetooth Mobile phone with GPRS/ CDMA or Bluetooth enabled PC with internet connection. Wireless connection via a serial cable/mouse/keyboard. Work with microphone/speakers on PC. Work with a Bluetooth headset via audio in/out on a PC or mobile phone. Wireless communication module corresponding to Bluetooth Specification Ver 1.1 Support up to 7 ACL connections and 3 SCO connections High sensitivity supports communications of up to100m (Open Site) Supports Bluetooth Class 1 (up to 100 meters) Built-in Link controller and Link Manager Protocol HCI interface over USB, compliant with USB Specification Ver 1.1 Built-in flash memory, system clock Internet access sharing USB interface fits with both desktops and notebooks File and information sharing make collaboration effortless Printer sharing Share MP3 audio files with all connected Purchase on the network Specifications : Uses 2.4 GHz ISM frequency band. V2.0 for Transfer speeds of 3MBbps High-speed Wireless Transmissions, up to 721 Kbps Data Throughput. Enable wireless connectivity between a notebook computer and a cellular phone. Connections within ranges up to 330 feet (100 meters). Plug and play installation in Windows 98SE / 2000 / ME / XP / Vista / 7 Requirements : Available USB port Windows 98SE / ME / 2000 / XP / Vista Mac OS X v 10.1.2 and Higher Linux OS Package Includes : One USB Bluetooth adapter Driver on CD

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9/18/2011

Kensington K33902US Bluetooth USB Micro Adapter Review

Kensington K33902US Bluetooth USB Micro Adapter
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The unit works well with any devices that I personally have paired it with ie. cell phones, headsets, stereo headsets, and another computer.
However, when the radio is on when you turn the computer on, there are 2 processes TOSOBEX.EX and SERVICES.EXE that will take up most if not all your CPU cycle. This slows down the computer very much. This happens even when there are no devices paired with the unit.
I have installed the unit on 2 other machines with the same results. So, somehow the Toshiba Stack that comes with this unit takes up CPU cycles when the bluetooth radio is turned on. This happens on my laptop and 2 desktops.
Once those services are on, there is no way to turn it off except to reboot the machine. However, PRIOR to rebooting the machine, TURN the bluetooth radio off first. That way when the computer is rebooted, those services will not be on.
The one workaround that I did was to RENAME the TOSOBEX.EXE file to something else like BAD_TOSOBEX.EXE_BAD. That way it won't get invoked when you turn the bluetooth radio on. That means that you WILL NOT have OBEX capability.
Kensington Techincal Support so far has been USELESS. But, I'm still trying to get to people there who actually know what they are talking about.
Also, on the cosmetic side, the unit has VERY SHARP corners. Be careful when you are handling your laptop (if you are using it on a laptop); I have been scratched multiple times by its corners.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Kensington K33902US Bluetooth USB Micro Adapter

Now there´s a Bluetooth adapter so small it can stay in your USB port for instant connectivity anytime, anywhere. It's about the size of a penny! Use it to transfer files, synchronize contact and calendar information with your PDA or smart phone, print or fax, connect a keyboard or mouse and much more - wirelessly. PC Compatibility: (bold) PC or compatible computer running Windows XP or later, available USB 2.0 or 1.1 port. Works with most Bluetooth enabled devices (v1.1, v1.2 , v2.0 and the latest 2.1 devices). Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate - up to 3Mbps), Class 2

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9/15/2011

Belkin Mini Bluetooth Laptop Adapter Review

Belkin Mini Bluetooth Laptop Adapter
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This was a little tough to properly install in Windows 7 to get all services working.
My first attempt was to let Windows 7 install the drivers. I ended up with one unknown hardware item that I could not find a driver for. My second attempt was to use the software that came with the module, which is for Vista and XP, and again could not get everything to work. I even tried running the installer in Vista compatibilty mode and it crashed.
Prior to using the procedure below I uninstalled the Bluetooth software and the bluetooth driver packages (somehow I ended up with 3) from Control Panel and I was then able to fully install using the procedure below.
This unit uses a Broadcom chip and Widcomm software. The method I used to install in Windows 7 is as follows.
1. Download Broadcom's Widcomm software utiltiy from [...].
2. Plug in the micro bluetooth module into the usb port you wish to use.
3. Windows will begin to install drivers.
4. Click on the balloon pop-up to open the Installing Drivers window.
5. At the bottom of this window, click Do Not Check Windows Update option.
6. Launch the Broadcom Widcomm software that you downloaded in step 1. This utility will verify your module, download the proper drivers and software, and install. No unknown hardware and I can connect and transfer files both ways from multipe devices.
Finally!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Belkin Mini Bluetooth Laptop Adapter

MINI BLUETOOTH ADAPTER

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8/16/2011

IO Crest SY-ADA23012 USB Bluetooth 2.0 EDR dongle Review

IO Crest SY-ADA23012 USB Bluetooth 2.0 EDR dongle
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This Bluetooth adapter works, but with my headset I get poor quality amd some static. My headset is crystal clear on my iPhone so I can only speculate that fhe small size of this adapter contributes to the lack of voice quality. However it works perfectly for things other than voice. File transfer etc. Definitely recomend this to someone. For such a low price you can't go wrong.

Click Here to see more reviews about: IO Crest SY-ADA23012 USB Bluetooth 2.0 EDR dongle

Compliant with USB 2.0 Full-Speed (12Mbps) specification. Bluetooth 2.0 EDR (Enhance Data Rate) compliant, 3 times faster than Bluetooth 1.2. Bluetooth Class 2 mode: Operating Range up to 10 meters. Enhanced wireless audio quality and reduced power consumption. Supports Bluetooth data transfer. Add Bluetooth functionality to personal computer. Supports Networking, Dial-up, Fax, Printer, Mouse, Keyboard, Cell phone. Supports Windows XP, Vista, and 7

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8/15/2011

Mini Wireless Bluetooth USB Adapter Dongle Review

Mini Wireless Bluetooth USB Adapter Dongle
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It is recognized as soon as you install it. The software in the box is a trial. I think it works for 30 days or with a limit on file transfer speeds. I'd end up uninstalling it. You can also use it with Microsoft Bluetooth support but it works intermittently. Mostly of the times gets disconnected. You can also pay like $20-$30 for a registered Bluetooth Software but I prefer to buy the Brand name Bluetooth with original software if that's the case. There's no good free managing software for Bluetooth. Due to the limitations, it is unplugged at my desk all the time.
No complains anyways, it is only $2...

Click Here to see more reviews about: Mini Wireless Bluetooth USB Adapter Dongle

Get more done with the power of Bluetooth! This tiny adapter is unobtrusive and won't be a nuisance sticking out of your laptop or PC. It's size is 2.2cm in total, and when plugged into your USB port, only about 1 cm of the adapter will stick out! Transfer files between your computer and any Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as cell phones, PDAs, printers, headsets, and more. Create on-the-fly networks between two computers w/ Bluetooth. This simple USB adapter acts as an antenna for your computer, giving it Bluetooth capability.This bluetooth dongle comes with a full version of BlueSoleil software and drivers. However, the software is not licensed to every type and model of hardware that is capable of using Bluetooth. If the software detects hardware that does not match the license keys it expects, then the software will impose a 5MB data transfer limitation. To overcome that limitation, users must purchase a different version of BlueSoleil software separately. We apologize for any inconvenience.

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6/19/2011

Bluetooth USB 2.0 Micro Adapter Dongle Review

Bluetooth USB 2.0 Micro Adapter Dongle
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This mini 2.0 USB Blue Tooth dongle has potential but the bundled software ruins it. I paid about 5-6 bucks (including shipping) for it - the reseller had it to me in record time. At this price point, really, there was not much for me to lose and my expectations were not that high.
The dongle ships in a plastic pack with a mini CDROM. The mini CDROM has software (Bluesoleil 2.6.0.8) that enables Blue Tooth features that go beyond the basic Windows XP Blue Tooth capabilities, including A2DP (stereo music).
The dongle is tiny. I have an Acer Aspire One netbook and the dongle barely juts out from the side of the netbook - a clear improvement over my Targus Blue Tooth USB dongle, which is 1 1/2 inches long. This improvement, however, was the only improvement to be found.
When using this USB dongle in a Windows XP environment, you really have two choices:
1) Plug it in and let XP detect and install a generic Blue Tooth driver for the device
2) Install the Bluesoleil software
If you go with the XP drivers, you are going to be able to use a decent and stable set of features, such as a reliable Blue Tooth mouse connection.
If you go with the Bluesoleil software, it opens up the functionality of the device and provides additional features that the XP drivers don't support, such as stereo music.
The problem is, the Bluesoleil software is not good. The user interface is ugly and non-intuitive. You'll just have to install it to see for yourself. Additionally, the software is, by design, crippled. Per the help menu, patches and upgrades will cost you. You can purchase a full version that, among other things, removes the data transfer speed-cap so that you can listen to MP3s without hiccups.
Setting aside the fairly annoying and yet not deal-breaking aspects of the software is the fact that the software doesn't play well with the audio drivers of my Acer Aspire One netbook. If I try to open an audio gateway to my Motorola BT stereo headphones, the Aspire RealTek soundchip drivers crash and crash again. And that is if I can even get the software to agree to create an audio gateway; it doesn't seem to be able to do so reliably.
I searched for information regarding the Bluesoleil software and the majority of the search results returned ways to work around the issues and many results even outlined how to reconfigure competitive software packages to work with the dongle in order to circumnavigate the Bluesoleil software altogether. I tried every trick that was described. I found some success in working with different software hacks but the time I spent was not well spent.
Back to my old Targus BT dongle, it was about 25 bucks. I installed the included software (WIDCOMM) and it just works. Five minutes of fiddling and it all works. It's silver and pokes way out and is pretty lame looking, but it gives me no grief.
In the end, I guess if your time is worth nothing than the cheapo BT dongle is for you. However, if you want the BT dongle to just work out of the box with no issues for every application that you expect it to work for, do some research and pay for what you expect to receive.
I have to caveat that this dongle and the included software may be just fine for you. For me however, it did not meet my requirements which are: BT mouse, BT stereo headphones and BT cellphone connections. All at once. Without any issues. The Targus dongle does this and I guess I'll just live with its unfortunate form factor.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Bluetooth USB 2.0 Micro Adapter Dongle

This mini USB Bluetooth Adapter enables short-range wireless data connectivity between computers and Bluetooth enabled devices. Personal digital assistants, cellular phones, and other devices can connect wirelessly with your computer. It is an open specification for wireless data transmission that operates on the globally available 2.4GHz radio frequency. Bluetooth devices can communicate with each other within a 20M range. Transfer up to three times faster than previous Bluetooth versions! Supports: Windows 2000 / XP / Vista Features Bluetooth Specification V2.0 + EDR Data Transfer rate: 3 Mbps / sec Dongle support the following Bluetooth Profiles DUN (Dial-Up Network), FTP (FAX / File Transfer), GAP (non-OEM Access), GEOP (non-OEM Object Exchange), HCRP (Hardcopy Cable Replacement), HID (Human Interface Device), HSP (Headset), LAP (LAN Access), PP (Object Push), DAP (Service Discovery Application), SPP (Serial Port), SYNC (Synchronization) Interface: USB V1.1 & 2.0 compatible Power Supply: DC 5V USB

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5/15/2011

IOGEAR USB 2.1 Bluetooth Micro Adapter GBU421 Review

IOGEAR USB 2.1 Bluetooth Micro Adapter GBU421
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*** My comments (below) are from January 2009. One of the more recent comments (April 2010) states that my issues are no longer valid. Just a heads up that things change/improve over time. ***
The product works (eventually) and is low priced and is tiny. But, before you install it, please consider the following. Customer care by Iogear is horrendous.
The first hurdle is bad instructions. Step 1 for Vista says you MUST insert the device. Then step 8 says DO NOT insert the device. 8 is correct, by the way.
Still, the included ver. 5 drivers do not work with Vista. When you contact the vendor for help, they'll tell you where the ver. 6 drivers reside. They're marked 221 thru 321 so you think they don't work with the 421, but they do. Oh, you need the revised instructions, too. By the way, the included disc says nothing about the software version. You have to watch for it after launching setup.
So, get ver. 6 drivers or later, get the latest instructions, and don't plug in until the drivers are fully installed in Vista.
I asked if the drivers were necessary since Vista wants to provide its own, and tech support said yes, you need to install them.
I tried tech support's live chat. They pointed me to newer instructions that said to wait before connecting, but they said nothing about the ver. 5 drivers and Vista incompatibility. After wasting 2 hours installing and uninstalling, I emailed to tech support. I wrote at midnight and when I got up bright and early, I had a URL for the proper drivers and instructions. The final installation was flawless and the device works fine.

Click Here to see more reviews about: IOGEAR USB 2.1 Bluetooth Micro Adapter GBU421

IOGear GBU421 Bluetooth 2.1 USB Micro Adapter, the IOGEAR Bluetooth 2.1 USB Micro Adapter offers Bluetooth connectivity at a fraction of the size of normal Bluetooth USB adapters. About the size of an adult fingernail, the IOGEAR Bluetooth 2.1 USB Micro Adapter allows users to connect to all the latest Bluetooth devices like cell phones, PDAs, mice and keyboards. Because the Micro Adapter is so small you can easily plug it into your computer without blocking any surrounding USB ports. The Micro Adapter also features Bluetooth EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) technology for transfer rates that are 3 times faster than traditional Bluetooth 1.1 and 1.2 adapters. The Micro Adapter also allows users to connect up to seven Bluetooth devices together and transfer even the largest files quickly and easily. With the Micro Adapter lower power consumption, you can enjoy longer battery life on your notebook computer. This Bluetooth Class 2 adapter is also compatible with both Mac and PC computers, and offers a wireless range of 30 feet (10 meter). It is great for both home and mobile networking needs.

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