what is the diff between usb bluetooth adapters and bluetooth access points?

[somas1]

If I have a bluetooth equipped pda and want it to be able to communicate with a pc, do I need a bluetooth access point or will one of those usb bluetooth adapters be good enough?  What is the advantage to the bluetooth access points?  range?

[UKClieBoy]

BT access points normally allow an internet connection via modem too, so you can use it for browsing.

You can just get a BT USB dongle and connect to a PC and they are cheaper. They also allow internet sharing via the computers internet connection if set up right.

I have just set-up BT Hotsynching for my laptop (second computer) and it works great! I also use BT to my phone for e-mail on the move.

[JwY]

yeah dongle will usually be fine
i got the TDK one.

[rob_squared]

Money as well, an access point can go for $150+ easily. BT dongles are only $40-$70.

[ClieMarty]

If you want a dongle, look for boobs / err, sorry, was distracted by rob's avatar / look for sets; got a noname set of two dongles new on ebay for some €30; and you need two boobs / rob, could you please change it, man / two dongles once you want to make file transfers between desktop and laptop like i did.

[rob_squared]

Yep, all the wonderfully distracting stuff is gone. So if the head smasher is distracting then I fear for you . :D

[ClieMarty]

rob, don't tell me your avantar was like that ever since. am I seeing things ;-)