Lame old redundant BLUETOOTH vs WI-FI POLL

[donaldekelly]

I got the CF driver and CF card, got Jack Flash, What can I buy next?

Blue tooth and WI-FI are tempting - but why invest?

So - a poll. And add reasons if you will.

Thanks.

One day I will go away - I promise!

[patrickl]

Ah cool 100% for WiFi, but wait ... I'm the only voter

Using NetFront over WiFi is just the coolest thing to do. Install programs straight from the website onto your NX, Read your mail on the NX. You can get rid of your PC/Notebook for 50% of the things you would normally need it for.

[Enceladus]

Both. Strengths and weakness to each...

[archangel]

WiFi. I had Bluetooth on my Tungsten T and never got any use out of it.

[Palm Cow]

Well, look at it like this:

WiFi replaces Ethernet cables
BT replaces USB cables

That is from a PC standpoint. Now, from the PDA standpoint, it's a bit more tricky:

WiFi lets you tap into 802.11b (that's what the WLAN card for the NX60/70V is) networks at your home, office, StarBucks and some airports for internet access and WiFi-syncing

BT, if two devices have BT, can replace IR. Anything your NX can do with IR (with the exception of contacting deviced which don't have BT) you can do with BT. Beaming files, multi-player games. The works. You can also access the internet via either a BT basestation (like your office might have one) or, most notably, via a mobile phone with BT integrated.

Okay, my home has an 802.11b network.

My local airport and StarBucks have 802.11b access points.

No one I know has a BT-equipped device.

No BT basestations within miles of where I am (except BestBuy but that doesn't count :)).

It's clear that WiFi is superior for me. Run down the checklist and see which one wins.

[kp*]

I think both have their uses, but if I had to have one, it would be bluetooth. People get all excited running around looking for hotspots so they can surf the net for free, which is fine, and it's great that (at least in my area) they're fairly common. But when I need to access a web site or e-mail, I need it wherever I am at that moment, which is almost always going to be inside a theatre or apartment, but probably not in Bryant Park or next to a Verizon payphone. I'd rather be able to dial through my cell phone from anywhere than have to worry about where a network is in place.

[donaldekelly]

And WI-FI takes the lead...

Do any of you feel like you "need" wi-fi or is it just cool? I assume most WI-FI people have out grown the "just cool" phase and actually find it quite useful.

How? Why? Thanks!

[n2ifp]

I have no use for Bluetooth, 802.11b WiFi yes :)

[donaldekelly]

Do most of you people use WiFi at home in place of a network?

Does anyone really find it useful at Starbucks? Or other places out and about?

I am just having trouble seeing the need this fills. (He says as he types on his laptop connected by a long phone line to dial up).

Thanks again

[caipro]

i am a BT man..
the ability to use my clie and my lap top anywhere, to send pics,events ,sync, email, not to mention being able to connect to the internet thru my cell without having to find "hot spots" of which as yet there are non , (in this part of Egypt, probably the rest too LOL) and to do all the above with my desktop too.. i love it

but really.. i depends what you want it for.. they offer pretty different funtionality as Palm Cow stated

[Quetsch]

I think both "radio protocols" have their strengths and waknesses, just because they were developed for different purposes.

At home and at campus there's a Wireless LAN, whenever I need internet access with no computer or wi-fi hotspot in the near, I use the BT equipped cell phone. That's much more comfortable than it was with IR.

If you just want to access the internet at home with a computer with internet connection i would recommend wi-fi because it has definetely more range than BT. I tried both, wi-fi and BT dongles.

[cliegirl]

i second what k\p* said...

i have the bt memory stick to use with my t68i phone. i wanted to have internet capability anywhere i went without needing to hang out in a starbucks (or sniffing for some other network). as has already been stated, if you already have a home or work network set up, wifi makes sense. but if you want wireless access wherever you go (well, at least wherever your cell phone gets a signal) without worrying about finding a hot spot, bt is the way to go...

[hherbzilla]

I voted WiFI. I use WiFi occasionally but don't currently have any BT devices. I can see value in having both, though. Just depends on your situation.

[Ezikial Anta]

Had a TG50 and never used bluetooth- have a NX60 and ACTUALY USE WIFI- WIFI ALL THE WAY!

[trayip]

I voted wi-fi b/c Verizon has no bluetooth phones (cept the Timeport 270c, but i'm more a flip phone kinda guy), and they are trying to stay away from BT. They are trying to make everything WIFI. I think BT will die, b/c it just isn't strong enough, maybe for short sconnections like printer and such (USB devices) - it will be the future USB, but that's it. For mobile reasons, WI-FI is better (hence why i want a new pda soon, only got clie sj30, i want my 320x480 64 mb ram clie).

[abosco]

Wifi for me. I installed a Wifi network in my home specifically anticipating the NX I was going to buy, and was disappointed by NetFront and its errors. After experimenting, I got much of my RAM free, stuffed everything that wasn't necessary onto the card and with PowerRun (except ZLauncher, D2G, and ScrShot), and I was left with web browsing heaven from 100 feet around the home. Uh oh, I forgot to check my mail on the way out. No problem, I open up ClieMail from the driveway, wait the 10 seconds for it to fetch, then I disconnect on the way out and read. Same with HotSyncing. Bluetooth gives you 30 feet without obstruction. Wifi gives me 100 feet with about 3 walls.

And Wifi is faster when it comes to an internet connection. I couldn't dream of doing the amount of web browsing on my NX with Bluetooth. And data plans on cell phones are still way too expensive.

Bluetooth has its place, but it's just not my style. Wifi all the way.

I wish I lived in NYC just because of Bryant Park, too.

[Jeffry]

I rather have WiFi. More speed and more range. Bluetooth stuff is incredibly expensive these days....

[Seraphiel]

I would like WiFi if I had a wireless network or lived somewhere where there were many hotspots I could use.

Likewise, I would like Bluetooth if I had a bluetooth phone.

[Sensei]

I am planning on a WiFi CF. why? because WiFi can overlap the fuctions of bluetooth.
-WiFi can sync through your network.
-It has longer range than BT
-It also features a direct P2P connection (Wifi card to another one)

I am getting a notebook soon, so I want wireless access so I can walk around my house while connected. At school, I can probably talk the school into putting Wireless Access points and charge some ppl who wants to use it an anual fee to access the internet.

[Palm Cow]

WiFi supports P2P? I was not aware of that!

[stevek]

myself I just can't see the fun of using my nx to view webpages when I have my computer right here. the screen is bigger it is faster and far easier to write with. I could see if you need access other then home but I just can't see it at home unless your too lazy to walk to your computer.

[donaldekelly]

Looks like I should rephrase the question - WiFi or 3G...


From Brighthand... http://brighthand.com/article/WiFi_Fly_Or_Die

Wi-Fi: Will It Fly or Will It Die?

Is there a future to Wi-Fi outside the home and office, or does the next generation of wireless depend on cellular?

By Steven G. Bush | Publisher
June 2nd, 2003

At the recent "Go Mobile, or Go Home" event held at the University of Georgia in Athens, I was asked by Dr. Scott Shamp, the director of UGA's New Media Institute, which wireless technology I though would have the most success over the next five years, Wi-Fi or 3G. At first I thought that this was just another version of the popular "Bluetooth or Wi-Fi" question that's been popping up lately. But as the day grew on I realized it wasn't, and that, in fact, it was an issue that I hadn't fully considered

[hherbzilla]

Originally posted by donaldekelly
Looks like I should rephrase the question - WiFi or 3G...


From Brighthand... http://brighthand.com/article/WiFi_Fly_Or_Die

Wi-Fi: Will It Fly or Will It Die?

Is there a future to Wi-Fi outside the home and office, or does the next generation of wireless depend on cellular?

Why has 802.11 flourished and Bluetooth failed? (http://techupdate.zdnet.com/techupdate/stories/main/0,14179,2913885,00.html)
"Should we even care about Bluetooth?

The crux of the problem is that 802.11 represents the Internet and Bluetooth represents the faux Internet, and getting to know the difference gives us an understanding of what the Internet really is. On the surface, both promise connectivity without wires. That's really all 802.11 promises..."

[IB Michael]

WiFi hands down. I bought the Bluetooth Jabra Free Speak ear piece with my last cell phone. The phone itself wasn't Bluetooth enabled so I had to use the adapter that pluged into the 2.5 female socket. I can't really say anything bad about Bluetooth itself..... I think the Motorola T720 was the real culprit.... went through 3 of those before buying a Kyocera 7135 Smartphone. The reception was spotty with the Jabra Free Speak with an aggravating level of static at times. The concept was what sold me.... no wires! The WiFi at home has been great..... No way I'd change.

[donaldekelly]

Why has 802.11 flourished and Bluetooth failed?
"Should we even care about Bluetooth?

Good article - it is all about having to be near your desk - or not? And dial up (bluetooth phone) is too slow to really be as good as WIFI? Maybe 3G will change the preference. 3G plus wifi?

[ATOKserver]

Wi-Fi! All the way! Until phones with bluetooth come out that have data speeds comparable to those you get in a wi-fi network, bluetooth doesn't really mean much to me.

[Omnitron]

Bluetooth seems to be dieing not building. I kind of see it like Betamax video format - May have been good/better, but it just didn't fly...

[Unregistered]

you need more of a commitment to go with bluetooth-

if you go with bluetooth, you pretty much should also have a bluetooth phone, and you might as well buy a bluetooth headset (although this is more of an option vs the phone). hopefully, you will live in an area with strong gsm coverage, since your phone will be gsm bluetooth. secondly, you have to pay for it - gprs service. then, if you want to expand to your home, you need at least a dongle. and there are no bluetooth public hotspots.

wifi on the other hand - you may already have highspeed at home. i mean, i wouldn't buy highspeed just for my clie - i'd want highspeed anyway for my home computer. and since i use a laptop, i already have a wireless router. and since there are a couple of free wifi hotspots in my area, there is no additional cost, other than the wifi card - in order to use wifi. and you certainly don't need a bluetooth phone for wifi.

[Defiant79]

*rant mode enabled*
This again... comparing apples with oranges.

WiFi and BT have different purposes!

It comes all to this (in a nutshell):

WiFi is a wireless broadband connection.

BT is simply put a alternative to IR and cable... with one big advantage: no need for line of sight (IR) or a cable. Sure it is a bonus to connect to your phone for dail-up. Just like with IR and cable.

When are you gonna to learn this?!
*rant mode disabled*

Unfortunately WiFi is not widely spread *yet* here in Holland. Unless you have your own home WLAN. But when on the move, I have more use of BT. In combination with a GPRS subscription it is sufficient *for me* to check my email, do IM or to look for fast info on the internet. Also SMS goes faster when using a BT link to your Clié (TG50, NZ90 and NX73V/E users should know). And BT gives you the ability to connect to other devices (eg. GPS recievers) extending the use of your Clié without the hassle with cables and proprietary connectors.

So, I voted for both... with known hotspots and at home WiFi and for all the other places here in Holland BT and GPRS.

[n1nsei]

Originally posted by Defiant79
*rant mode enabled*
This again... comparing apples with oranges.

WiFi and BT have different purposes!

...

When are you gonna to learn this?!
*rant mode disabled*


Well, I must agree with you. I know only couple of free Wi-Fi spots in my city. Bluetooth + GPRS have more use for me. About a year ago Bluetooth was 'emerging' technology, with only perspective of wide use, except for true geeks and early adopters. But this year you could pick up a BT enabled mobile phone with Bluetooth headset HBH-30 for additional 1pln with some tariffs from two different GSM providers - only 0.25 euro for ultimately cool gadget :)... Even my parents own BT enabled mobiles - other story is that they probably will never make any use for it, excluding vCard exchange ;) And with 100% GSM/GPRS coverage Wi-Fi is no match for BT/GPRS combo when you want to stay always connected. Wi-Fi is faster, better in city, in your company building, at your home - but not on the road, where is not available :)
I vote for BT. We already can buy Wi-Fi cards for CLIE, now someone (Eruware?? ;) ) please make drivers for cheap CF Bluetooth adapters.

[donaldekelly]

So, BLue tooth if you live in Europe and Wi-Fi if you live in the States. (just kidding - though there seems to be something to this observation)

From what I hear - Europe likes phones that can take photos and the USA just wants cell phones - we don't really care about the cameras in them. (I have read this in a few places)

[Defiant79]

Yeah, I've noticed that trend as well.

But what I read about Japanese handsets, I-mode in particular, it's just wicked what they can do:D