bluetooth newbie question

[Unregistered]

i want to buy a bluetooth adapter for my pc, i look on ebay, what is the differne between class 1 and class 2? which is recomended? thanks

[WaryCary]

Class 1 has a 100 meter range (about 328 ft). I print from my laptop with Class 1 BT dongle to my HP printer (also with a Class 1 dongle) from several rooms away - maybe 70 ft or so.

Clies and cell phones have a much shorter range of 10 meters (about 32 feet).

If you are thinking of someday setting up a BT network, or printing from a distance via BT, than Class 1 is the better choice. If everything is going to be in the same room or the next room, Class 2 should be fine for your needs.

I got my laptop dongle on ebay. It is a Tecom - the setup and usage was absolutely trouble-free. Just stay away from the Microsoft dongle - horror show!

[Hrun]

What ebay, I nearly bought 2 for £30 each which he said were selling in maplin for £50.

So I went and had a look - Special offer £30, plus a discount voucher for £5 and free post and no paypal fees, so I was quids in.

Moral of this tale - Do your research

Giles

[WaryCary]

You lucky Brits! Here in the US at least, the brick & mortars (even the online vendors!) were charging a lot more for Class 1 dongles + tax, compared with what I paid on ebay for the bid + shipping (Seller paid the PayPal fee.). Class 2s though, were a dime a dozen.

Moral of the story - sometimes, even after doing your research, your assets can still end up in a sling! ;)

[1145climber]

hahaha. moral of the story....

[mrklaw]

I have read in other threads that having a class 1 dongle greatly improves the distance that a clie can connect from also.

Class 2 dongles are much cheaper though (usually). I was given a class 2 D-link dongle for my birthday and it works fine for me.

[Hrun]

LOL

You are correct. Class 1 = 100m approx
Class 2 = 10m approx

I wanted Class one as I want to surf in bed on a sunday with the laptop and one day we may get a garden :)

[Ptah]

Got a class 2 dongle and it does about 15 meters. (Through 2 walls into the garden) Guess I'm lucky.

[Hrun]

*drool

Oh to have a garden