Why is Bluetooth important to you?

[cbhiii]

Hi,

I've seen a lot of different threads about the TH55 and Bluetooth. (Should you get it, Should you leave it, Is it worth the money, Can you live without it, I can't live without it, etc.) Those are great questions and statements, but none have really answered the specific questions that I and many others have.

I am personally thinking about getting it, but need the following questions answered is some fashion before I can decide.

If you could finish these statements it would help a lot in making that decision. Your response, time and information are very much appreciated. Thanks!


1) I primarily use Bluetooth to...

2) Bluetooth can also be used to...

3) Without Bluetooth I wouldn't be able to...

4) Wi-Fi cannot replace Bluetooth because...

[madmaxmedia]

1. I primarily use BT to access internet on my TG50 through my home and work computer (with a USB Bluetooth dongle).

2. I also use it to access internet through my BT cell phone.

3. Without BT I wouldn't be able to access internet on my PDA at all.

4. Wifi can't replace BT because Wifi has better range and speed, and since I don't have a BT access point I need the host computer to be on.

[BSherm]

Originally posted by cbhiii
Hi,

1) I primarily use Bluetooth to...

2) Bluetooth can also be used to...

3) Without Bluetooth I wouldn't be able to...

4) Wi-Fi cannot replace Bluetooth because...

Excellent Question!

This would be "I would use it for..."

1. Access the internet through my BT phone. Also file access to my smartphone (transfer files like images or e-books... Nokia 3650)

2. BT accessories like headsets, keyboard potentially. I vaguely remember a post of someone who got their Logitech BT keyboard to work with their TH/55... or was trying or something like that. Synching through BT (though I would not, Wi-Fi and cradle is way faster).

3. The only thing I care about is the access through BT to internet... the file access would be used intermittantly at best.

4. Wi-Fi is hot spot dependant, Wi-Fi coverage is nowhere near as complete as BT through my phone, plus a lot of Wi-Fi access outside of my house would cost.

However, for me, the price differential of importing a 55/E from Europe (with BT) was $200, so i am staring at a 55/U charging in my cradle. :D

PS, I was happy to see the 55 fits in my 615's cradle... though the little bump does not match up with the 55.

[YTTAN]

WIFI is better than bluetooth.

It support broadband speed up to 3000kbps in Singapore while BT link to mobile phone is 56kbps only when download email and surfing internet.

[wolwol]

Originally posted by YTTAN
WIFI is better than bluetooth.

It support broadband speed up to 3000kbps in Singapore while BT link to mobile phone is 56kbps only when download email and surfing internet.

would you be able to browse or chat in the mrt using broadband? bluetooth is the way to go :)
remember, bluetooth is not mean to replace a broadband connection but to compliment each other :)

[wolwol]

1) I primarily use Bluetooth to...check my mail on the go

2) Bluetooth can also be used to...transfer files between my mac and clie wirelessly, without the hassle of cables

3) Without Bluetooth I wouldn't be able to...browse online or check mail on the go

4) Wi-Fi cannot replace Bluetooth because...it actually compliment each other, not all location is wifi ready

[jumpyg]

Originally posted by BSherm

4. Wi-Fi is hot spot dependant, Wi-Fi coverage is nowhere near as complete as BT through my phone, plus a lot of Wi-Fi access outside of my house would cost.
Whaa? :confused: Don't you pay your cell provider extra for the Internet access?

If this was an included service with my cell company, I would definitely be on the BT bandwagon. As it is, they charge through the nose. :o

[wolwol]

Originally posted by jumpyg

Whaa? :confused: Don't you pay your cell provider extra for the Internet access?

If this was an included service with my cell company, I would definitely be on the BT bandwagon. As it is, they charge through the nose. :o @ least if he's in states and using tmobile, basic gprs is free and unlimited :)

[paxton]

1) I primarily use Bluetooth to... check mail via my mobile on the go

2) Bluetooth can also be used to... write and read sms (I use that alot)

3) Without Bluetooth I wouldn't be able to... do the above things ;-)

4) Wi-Fi cannot replace Bluetooth because... Wi-Fi hotspots are rare here yet. And I don't like to deal with hundreds of Wi-Fi providers and several payment methods. Internetaccess via BT/GPRS is much more comfortable; but surfing the net is a pain with BT ;-) Therefore I like the combination of BT and Wi-Fi

[Jayman]

I used to have Bluetooth with my TG50 and I bluetooth access point. Boy am I glad that I switched to WIFI with the TH55, everything including web browsing is incredibly faster

[YTTAN]

Originally posted by wolwol


would you be able to browse or chat in the mrt using broadband? bluetooth is the way to go :)
remember, bluetooth is not mean to replace a broadband connection but to compliment each other :)


Well I not using internet in mrt especially underground where the GSM network are weak it might cut off any time.

If I really need it, I will just use it with infra-red which of course I hardly use it for the last few months. The only time I use it is just to show my friend how to access/use/configurate it.:)

[YTTAN]

I'm surfing with Broadband unlimited time except the battery life time at fast speed.

If I using my 56kbps dialup plan thru BT which link to my mobile it will limit to only 8 - 14kbps-even slower!!

Imageine you had to wait for 2-3 minute to refresh a website page...oh my god!!! I can only endure it when WIFI is not available in clie 1-2 years ago.

Who can enjoy with it nowsaday while the broadband + WIFI took only 10-15 sec to load a page?

Maybe it is a little slower of 5-8 secs when compare with PC or VAIO as Clie require to rearrange the webpage in order to view properly in TH55?

[YTTAN]

By the way, there is no BT in Singapore's version Th55.

[Rossi01]

Originally posted by cbhiii


1) I primarily use Bluetooth to...

2) Bluetooth can also be used to...

3) Without Bluetooth I wouldn't be able to...

4) Wi-Fi cannot replace Bluetooth because... [/B]


1) connect my TH55 to my T610 cellphone and this one to the HBH35 headset. And the TH55 and T610 to my laptop.

2) Connecto t appliances (still limited), printers, etc.

3) Connect to the Internet where Wi-Fi is not available or not free. Just returned from a business travel. Salt Lake City's airport Wi-Fi (at least in the food court I went) was blocked and required an access fee. I simply switched to my cellphone and T-Mobile's GPRS. Worked flawlessly.

4) Not ubiquitous as cellphone stations (towers). :D


Wi-Fi provides faster access but still is not available everywhere.

[wolwol]

Originally posted by YTTAN
I'm surfing with Broadband unlimited time except the battery life time at fast speed.

If I using my 56kbps dialup plan thru BT which link to my mobile it will limit to only 8 - 14kbps-even slower!!

Imageine you had to wait for 2-3 minute to refresh a website page...oh my god!!! I can only endure it when WIFI is not available in clie 1-2 years ago.

Who can enjoy with it nowsaday while the broadband + WIFI took only 10-15 sec to load a page?

Maybe it is a little slower of 5-8 secs when compare with PC or VAIO as Clie require to rearrange the webpage in order to view properly in TH55? as i've said earlier, broadband is not available everywhere, bluetooth is a compliment, in case NO broadband wifi is available in an area. *you do know wifi is not available everywhere right?*

[Unregistered]

It is slow for web surfing...
It is slow for connection setup...
It is slow to dail a phone number..
It is slow to pair up the device..
It is slow to check mailbox..
It is slow to hotsync..

Why is it important to consider BT? Why Palm promote BT more than WiFi?

GPRS/BT? How fast can it be? How much it cost per KB?

The goodness is:
BT eats battery less than wifi
BT is cheaper to include
BT is better than IR for longer range and no direction dependency

[cbhiii]

Those are great responses and they paint a clearer picture about what BT is for and what it's not for (or not good at).

Thanks so much for everyones input!

[BSherm]

Originally posted by wolwol
@ least if he's in states and using tmobile, basic gprs is free and unlimited :)

Bingo! I have unlimited gprs on my T-Mobile phone.

[BSherm]

I think the fundamental missunderstanding is that it is not Bluetooth VERSUS Wi-Fi. They are Apple and Oranges... or at least Gala Apples and Granny Smith Apples. :)

Wi-Fi crushes Bluetooth on speed, no contest. My DSL connection is WAY faster than my modem in my laptop, but the modem is more useful on the road, because I do not have a network cable long enough... :)

Bluetooth is faster than Wi-Fi in most airports because slow speed beats no speed (and not all airports have Wi-Fi hot spots).

This is a totally YMMV issue. IF you have a BT enabled phone with a reasonable plan (like T-Mobiles) and IF you would like to access the internet (albeit slower than normal) where there is no Wi-Fi coverage, BT is the way to go. That's two potentially BIG if's.

That is not even considering the potential use of BT peripherals like Keyboards, headsets and the like.

[enderenya]

1) I primarily use Bluetooth to... transfer files/info much faster than IR to other bluetooth devices including all the PalmOne Tungsten series, and both my brother's and friends' TG50s

2) Bluetooth can also be used to... play Warfare Incorporated multiplayer <grin> (yes it can also be done with WiFi) AND plenty of other bluetooth games with other PalmOS handhelds. Doesn't anyone else have friends with bluetooth handhelds??

3) Without Bluetooth I wouldn't be able to... stand being patient enough to wait FOREVER to 'beam' a huge file to a friend.

4) Wi-Fi cannot replace Bluetooth because... as far as I know, YOU STILL CAN'T send files over WiFi ad-hoc (no middle network) directly to another handheld! (which is lame! When will some WiFi server software be made for PalmOS?)

[doboy]

It seems that most ppl are needing BT for email, but you can use the phone itself to check the emails, atleast the web based ones like Hotmail, Yahoo, etc. The screen is little cramped, but at least you can view it. Also GPRS is not available EVERYWHERE.

[wolwol]

Originally posted by doboy
It seems that most ppl are needing BT for email, but you can use the phone itself to check the emails, atleast the web based ones like Hotmail, Yahoo, etc. The screen is little cramped, but at least you can view it. Also GPRS is not available EVERYWHERE. does hotspots available EVERYWHERE?
phone? how about attachment, when you need to pull up attachment?
you need to book tickets?
etc....i've repeated this, bluetooth is a compliment to wifi not mean to substitute wifi @ all

[Take1]

I use B/T on my Palm to:

1. Check e-mail
2. Surf wirelessly
3. Hotsync

I don't use WiFi because it's a battery hog and is happy with the speed I am currently getting (not trying to obtain desktop experience).

My TG50 was great for all these things and I enjoyed the B/T access to the Internet.

TH55 is a non-option simply because of no bluetooth. The T|E2 sounded like the ideal handheld, but it appears to be vaporware and Palm doesn't seem to be doing anything with their lineup except low-end garbage with tiny screens.

For now I'm using an iPaq 4150, which provides a bigger screen AND B/T with a replaceable battery. While I miss the hi-res, the unit's diminutive size really is a nice thing to have.

Sony really screwed up not offering B/T to American customers. Hopefully Palm will come out with something soon that can offer B/T, 320x480 screen, and decent battery life. If not then it I'll hold out for the HP iPaq VGA 4xxx model.

[Unregistered]

I like PalmOS
I like Bluetooth for phone dialup
I like WiFi for web surfing
I like 320x480 screen or 640x480
I like 64M Ram
I like long battery life
I like 400 or more MHz
I like Memory stick
I like 1.3Mp Camera and video recording
I like voice recording

[Dirk Hasloewer]

1) I primarily use Bluetooth to...
Connect to my GPS-Receiver
Hotsync to my Laptop

2) Bluetooth can also be used to...
Connect to other PDA
Connect to cell phones for Internetaccess or just dialoing from the pda

3) Without Bluetooth I wouldn't be able to...
navigate (gps) wireless

4) Wi-Fi cannot replace Bluetooth because...
there are no wifi gps-receivers :-)

[Unregistered]

Let me answer you - cbhiii

In US, most of the people has a car. They can't play their Clie while they are driving. They have WiFi at home and in office & cafe.

In Asia, most of Clie users take public transportation. They have a lot of time to read email, browse webpage, play whatever they like with Clie. Many public access Wifi hot spot charges at high price. Only GPRS+BT can provide continuous interent access in outdoor.

[Aces]

Unregistered,

Thank you for your post.&nbsp; I can finally understand why some members here at CS are so adamant&nbsp;about BT, while others (like myself) do not.&nbsp; What you said about public transportation makes perfect sense.

I noticed that while I enjoy listening to MP3's, I don't do it as much on my TH-55 as I thought I would.&nbsp; Then I realized it's a simmilar analogy.&nbsp; I carpool with my wife, but I drive.&nbsp; And we spend a lot of time together whenever we aren't at work.&nbsp; And we drive everywhere.&nbsp; So I use a MP3 car stereo in the car, but&nbsp;not with&nbsp;headphones on my TH.&nbsp; &nbsp;If I were single, rode the bus, or spent a lot more time away from my wife, I'd probably use the MP3 capabilities of my TH more.

[madmaxmedia]

You can also do BT + broadband, with a BT dongle ($20) or access point at your home. Bluetooth is slower than Wifi but still relatively fast.

Obviously if you have a device that does both, you use Wifi. But I have a TG50 and use it to surf my home DSL connection. The speed doesn't bother me, I only wish the range was somewhat better.

But yeah, as other posters have said, it's apples and oranges. I think overall I pick oranges (wifi) over apples (BT), but you can also have both.

Originally posted by YTTAN
I'm surfing with Broadband unlimited time except the battery life time at fast speed.

If I using my 56kbps dialup plan thru BT which link to my mobile it will limit to only 8 - 14kbps-even slower!!

Imageine you had to wait for 2-3 minute to refresh a website page...oh my god!!! I can only endure it when WIFI is not available in clie 1-2 years ago.

Who can enjoy with it nowsaday while the broadband + WIFI took only 10-15 sec to load a page?

Maybe it is a little slower of 5-8 secs when compare with PC or VAIO as Clie require to rearrange the webpage in order to view properly in TH55?

[Rossi01]

Originally posted by Aces
Unregistered,

Thank you for your post.&nbsp; I can finally understand why some members here at CS are so adamant&nbsp;about BT, while others (like myself) do not.&nbsp; What you said about public transportation makes perfect sense.

I noticed that while I enjoy listening to MP3's, I don't do it as much on my TH-55 as I thought I would.&nbsp; Then I realized it's a simmilar analogy.&nbsp; I carpool with my wife, but I drive.&nbsp; And we spend a lot of time together whenever we aren't at work.&nbsp; And we drive everywhere.&nbsp; So I use a MP3 car stereo in the car, but&nbsp;not with&nbsp;headphones on my TH.&nbsp; &nbsp;If I were single, rode the bus, or spent a lot more time away from my wife, I'd probably use the MP3 capabilities of my TH more.


You are right. It is a matter of preference, resources availability and other factors.

If you really want a PDA, which will be the real connection device it must have all communication means available. I got the European version because I know Wi-Fi is not available everywhere and sometimes it is not free. Therefore, if I want to connect I just have to connect my PDA to my cellphone, and connect using the provider's (in the case, T-Mobile) GPRS network.

The real ultimate connection PDA would also have an extra RJ45 port which would incorporate an Ethernet and an analog modem port within. Some areas of the of the world still do not have GPRS capabilities and some hotels still have wired networks instead of wireless.


;)

[YTTAN]

Originally posted by Take1
I use B/T on my Palm to:

1. Check e-mail
2. Surf wirelessly
3. Hotsync

I don't use WiFi because it's a battery hog and is happy with the speed I am currently getting (not trying to obtain desktop experience).

My TG50 was great for all these things and I enjoyed the B/T access to the Internet.

TH55 is a non-option simply because of no bluetooth. The T|E2 sounded like the ideal handheld, but it appears to be vaporware and Palm doesn't seem to be doing anything with their lineup except low-end garbage with tiny screens.

For now I'm using an iPaq 4150, which provides a bigger screen AND B/T with a replaceable battery. While I miss the hi-res, the unit's diminutive size really is a nice thing to have.

Sony really screwed up not offering B/T to American customers. Hopefully Palm will come out with something soon that can offer B/T, 320x480 screen, and decent battery life. If not then it I'll hold out for the HP iPaq VGA 4xxx model.


If you had try clie device, you will forget thinking about Palm device Since after N760C came out as Sony clie always outbeat Palm since 3-4 years ago.

[YTTAN]

Originally posted by Unregistered
Let me answer you - cbhiii

In US, most of the people has a car. They can't play their Clie while they are driving. They have WiFi at home and in office & cafe.

In Asia, most of Clie users take public transportation. They have a lot of time to read email, browse webpage, play whatever they like with Clie. Many public access Wifi hot spot charges at high price. Only GPRS+BT can provide continuous interent access in outdoor.




In Singapore WIFI access charge at (pay -as -you -use) only at 12 cent per min only.

If you are using GPRS with BT, it might took 2 minute to flash a webpage (250kb x $0.007=$1.75~about $1.00 to surf a webpage and it will cost a lot more than using WIFI - you can surf at least 5 pages per minute at 12 cents only.

[Rossi01]

Originally posted by YTTAN



If you had try clie device, you will forget thinking about Palm device Since after N760C came out as Sony clie always outbeat Palm since 3-4 years ago.



If I understood his(her) port right. BT is mandatory as it was for me when I was also looking to upgrading my N760C. If I could have not got the TH55 with BT I would probably get a PocketPC type PDA either.

[CWolf]

1) I primarily use Bluetooth to...Connect to the internet on the move with my T610 (GPRS costs very little in UK) or in bed. Not many Wi-Fi hotspots around and my phone does not have wi-fi. Besides, even if there were loads of hotspots they would not be on busses.

2) Bluetooth can also be used to... Send stuff to friends without the incredible time for IR. Also I sometimes use it to follow AIM when not sat at computer.

3) Without Bluetooth I wouldn't be able to...Browse the net on a bus. As for paying for GPRS and Time for big pages - Switch off Graphics!!!

4) Wi-Fi cannot replace Bluetooth because...No phones have it.

[Unregistered]

Dual-Power WiFi will own BT.... <expletive deleted>

[rlc7254]

1) I primarily use Bluetooth to...&nbsp;hotsync with my office computer&nbsp;

2) Bluetooth can also be used to... interface with equipment in my department at work

3) Without Bluetooth I wouldn't be able to... justify buying a UK TH55&nbsp;

4) Wi-Fi cannot replace Bluetooth because... it's higher power consumption

[CWolf]

Originally posted by Unregistered
Dual-Power WiFi will own BT.... <expletive deleted>

Obviously this particular moron expects phones to appear soon with wi-fi installed.

As for the deleted expletive - nice to know that he/she is not afraid to show emotion, pity they don't have the guts to register.

[YTTAN]

Originally posted by Rossi01




If I understood his(her) port right. BT is mandatory as it was for me when I was also looking to upgrading my N760C. If I could have not got the TH55 with BT I would probably get a PocketPC type PDA either.

May I know is there a speed different between Infra-red and BT?

It will be better for you to use BT if you had a few BT device to connect with. If not, why don't just use the common infra-red instead?

[cbulock]

If your using GPRS, you shouldn't notice a difference in speed between Infrared or Bluetooth since both run at a higher speed. But, the convenience of using radio over aligning Infrared ports is the big difference.

[Rossi01]

Originally posted by YTTAN


May I know is there a speed different between Infra-red and BT?

It will be better for you to use BT if you had a few BT device to connect with. If not, why don't just use the common infra-red instead?


If I'm not mistaken BT is faster than IR. Moreover, BT does not require direct line of sight, which lets me keep my cellphone in my pocket while connecting to the Internet with the TH55. Also, my headset (HBH35) also lets me answer my cellphone without even touching it. I also have a LinkSys BT USB dongle that lets me connect either my cellphone or TH55 to my laptop or desktop.
BT allows for having a "portable" and "personal" network you can take with you everywhere.

I'm not advocating BT x Wi-Fi. I think they complement each other and each one has it own application.

I also have a Wi-Fi network at home, which I use most of the time. I use BT when travelling and do not have a Wi-Fi network available around. And it has not been few times.

[wolwol]

@ least, on average, the data transfer rate between the th55 and powerbook is about 25-40kbps, no line of sight and fun to use

[wolwol]

Originally posted by YTTAN


May I know is there a speed different between Infra-red and BT?

It will be better for you to use BT if you had a few BT device to connect with. If not, why don't just use the common infra-red instead? infrared is very slow, remember bt requires NO line of sight while IR does

[zobo]

Originally posted by YTTAN


May I know is there a speed different between Infra-red and BT?

It will be better for you to use BT if you had a few BT device to connect with. If not, why don't just use the common infra-red instead?

I think BT is around 10x faster.

[Unregistered]

BT has a ridiculusly short range... it makes baby seals die, it is so slow...

DONT USE BT! DO IT FOR THE BABY SEALS!

[wolwol]

Originally posted by Unregistered
BT has a ridiculusly short range... it makes baby seals die, it is so slow...

DONT USE BT! DO IT FOR THE BABY SEALS! you're sic you know, get yourself checked in to the hospital

[Rossi01]

Originally posted by wolwol
you're sic you know, get yourself checked in to the hospital

Hey Wolwol,
Maybe that poor creature is one of the dying baby seals. I'll boost my BT and put an end to its misery...

[Clie Palmer]

I was in Bangkok and Taiwan for business trips for the past weeks. As you know, I when I travel, I need to send urgent email when I need it. With my SE T610 and TH55/ E (BT), they are really amazing, I could send n receive email almost everywhere when there is GPRS signal. Although, they are a bit slow but they are really mobile. I am now in China, it works fine for me too.
I have tried the SMS through BT to my SET610, I really like it! It is much faster to send a long SMS using my TH55 than the keypad on my mobile phone. TH55/E really rocks!! I can't live without BT on my TH55, with your mobile phone in your pocket, no more line of sight between your mobile phone and Clie, you could send and receive data easily!! Really amazing!!!

[oferinga]

Bluetooth complements WiFi like USB does with a Wired Network. ;-)