Bluetooth POWER?

[Esquilaxer]

Im deciding whether to get a Zire72 or a TT5. Both have bluetooth. My question is

To all those with Bluetooth enabled PDA and Bluetooth USB adapter:

How far can you go?

As in, when you are surfing the web on your PDA via bluetooth connected to ur computer, what are the limits. I know 33 feet is the limit, but I dont trust that, as that can be based on different situations, such as an open field.
For those in a home environment. Can u surf the web uptairs ur house, if ur bluetooth server was about 1 floor down? Did the ceilings, walls and other obstructions render the PDA bluetooth connection EXTREMELY slow or unusable?

And how were your Bluetooth experiences (*not with cell phones*) overall?

thanks in advance!

[mrdeucie]

I wasn't even aware that you could use a PC to connect to the internet with your PDA, I thought you could only do it with a phone or Wifi.

[Esquilaxer]

Well there are at least 2 ppl who do not comprehend this bluetooth. Could someone please explain? It would be greatly appreciated.

[athlon64]

There are two classes of Bluetooth that I know of. One goes 10m the other goes 100m. Class 1 is the 100m one. You should be able to go on the internet via BT through the computer.

[tanker_bob]

The range greatly depends on your antenna location. Class 2 BT is rated at 10 meters. Practically, I've obtained about 5-6 feet with a USB 2 adapter down behind my all-metal PC case which backs up to a wall. The range would be longer if I could plug it into the front towards the open room.

[Esquilaxer]

The usb adaptor that i might purchase says it has a range of 100m, which is 30 feet (i think). Though, this figure isbased on LOS, meaning in a clear area with no obstructions. In a home environment, I Still wonder how this bluetooth would work around diff. places of a house.

[tanker_bob]

The usb adaptor that i might purchase says it has a range of 100m, which is 30 feet (i think). Though, this figure isbased on LOS, meaning in a clear area with no obstructions. In a home environment, I Still wonder how this bluetooth would work around diff. places of a house.
Actually, Class 1 BT is 100m = 328 feet. And you're right, that's ideal atmospheric and EM conditions, no obstructions, and downhill all the way. Without serious metal obstructions, including Florida hurricane framing, you should be able to realize 60-70% of that. However, Palms are only Class 2, so no matter how far your USB adapter can go, the PDA has to be within 10m = 32.8 feet under ideal atmospheric and EM conditions, no obstructions, and downhill to the PC. You'll always be constrained by the shortest-range member of the network. If all you want to do is talk to your PDA, then Class 1 is overkill for the PC.

[Esquilaxer]

My conversion knowledge is quite low. (30feet=100metres, HA!). Anyways, since youve said pda have a 30 feet range, im still wondering how you guys do this bluetooth connection on ur pda at home? Is it decent? or just a waste of money.

[tanker_bob]

Having done the connection and attempted Internet access with my T3, I found it a waste of time and money. If I'm that close to my PC, I'm on it. I'm personally laying out a secure WiFi setup at home to get connectivity around the house. Bluetooth was designed to connect/operate wireless peripherals, not Internet connectivity right next to your desktop PC. JMHO.

[Esquilaxer]

You have a great point there: why not use pc when ur so close?.

Though, I wouldn't mind knowing if it is still possible to roam the house. Like, in the kitchen, uptairs etc. Places where my computer isnt in place.

[tanker_bob]

Roaming the house (to a point) is one of the purposes of WiFi. Unless you live in a bird house with no internal metal structures, you won't be roaming it with Bluetooth.

[zackepceo]

I have found that Bluetooth using just a regular (actually, a very early model) bluetooth dongle gives me about 20 feet maximum range. Both of my Bluetooth devices are Class II.

[Ruune]

If only I could find some pics of Clie motherboards, I would mod my clie to have an antenna come out of the stylus hole. Im sure that would enhance my range :D

[zackepceo]

I find that on my clie (TG50), putting my finger right next to the bluetooth beacon improves the signal.