T1000X

I just got the TG50 (again ;-), and I plan on using the Bluetooth as soon as I can. I thought about buying one of the cheap Bluetooth USB dongles, but I'm not sure about their range. The reason why range is important is because the computer is in the den, and I plan on HotSyncing and getting online from my bedroom which is right next to it and also use the TG50 around the house. The advantages the dongles have is they are portable and I can take it with me to work.

The Bluetooth Access Points I've seen are generally a lot more expensive, but also have a greater range. My concern (please correct me if I'm wrong) is it would interfere with my Linksys 802.11b wireless access point. I could justify the price for one if I knew it would give me a greater range and possibly faster connections. I'd really like to use WinHand with my TG50, but please let me know how it works if you've used it.

Andyvan

Don't expect either to give you the range you need. In my experience (2 weeks!) you'd be very lucky to get a connection through a wall. I usually lose mine once I go out the door, even if I'm in the hallway, direct line of sight, door still open.

You can get Class 1 Bluetooth dongles (and access points). I've found the access points less trouble (easier to setup, no Windows to deal with), but not as portable. Keep in mind however that it doesn't much matter how much range the access point has (how powerful the radio in it) if the radio in the TG50 is still class 2 or 3.

I've had no problems with interference with the Belkin Bluetooth access point and 802.11b (or g).

The speed of Bluetooth will not blow you away. It's useful for a hotsync, or a quick download of email, but web browsing is not very enjoyable.

-- Andyvan

quintuss

Actually it strongly depends, on luck/harware(dongle)/type of walls.

I can use my TG50 , Sitecom Bluetooth dongle combination in my whole appartement. O.K., the speed is best in the room with my PC, but surfing with netfront is possible in all of my rooms.

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nsingleton

I use a 1 Com pc card in my laptop and can hotsync from just over 10 metres. My laptop, TG and my T68i can detect my neighbours Nokia through the wall.

T1000X

Thanks for the information. I still haven't gotten a Bluetooth dongle or access point yet, so I haven't tested it out.

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mkrueger

Hi T1000X

Interference between 802.11b and Bluetooth shouldn't be a problem. I'm a heavy user of both with no interference experienced at all. Many folks even use BOTH on one laptop at the same time!

I decided to spend an extra $10 over the tiny class 3 devices to get this Belkin class 1 device which has an antenna and extension USB cable ($49 at CompUSA). This allows placement of the antenna for maximum range in your environment. I learned from my 802.11b experimenting that it's ALL about the antenna:

http://www.compusa.com/products/pro...4015&pfp=SEARCH

Of course it's much bigger than the tiny ones, so portability might be an issue (still pretty small though). And remember that your Clie is a class 3 device, so a Class 1 module will still only give you about 30 feet.

I am able to go through 1 wall without problems with my little Belkin. I can also surf from one floor down.

Lots of people RAVE about the simplicity of configuration, range, and performance the Belkin base station, but I haven't tried it. I've seen it for $130 to $150:

http://www.compusa.com/products/pro...1824&pfp=SEARCH

I often wish I would have just gone for the base station. It seems WAY easier, and has better range (according to reports) plus ability to handle multiple devices in case my wife gets a TG50 (she's jealous... has a T415).

As far as performance, I actually think browsing is great over Bluetooth when connected to a home PC on broadband. I get 20K per second regularly, which means most full graphic web pages load in 5 to 10 seconds. Here is one trick to good performance (taken from another of my posts):

One hint for folks setting up Bluetooth for internet browsing: The PalmOS actually ignores the Baud rate setting when you are using bluetooth. A very helpful Palm developer informed me of this. So even if the baud rate on your PDA is set to 115200 (the max shown on the PDA), you can set your server side to much higher, and your palm will get the full bandwidth. Bluetooth can support up to about 700000. I have been able to reliably connect up to 460800 (about 50K per second). I'd recommend 230400 or 460800 as reliable settings. Remember that these numbers are the physical speed....bluetooth will only transfer at full speed under an optimal environment. I'm usually only getting about 20-30K per second when set to 460800.

Good luck with your Bluetooth!

marcus_yam

Is there a website that teaches us how to set up bluetooth connection? I can't seem to be able to figure out how to sync my tg50 and my laptop via my MSI Class 1 bluetooth toggle....

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