Ebay Bluetooth adapter/dongles - Advive?

**ppgt94** · 06-21-2006, 02:59 AM

I'm looking for a USB BT receiver so I can actually get some use out of my BT enabled devices like my cell phone. I'm under the impression that for the most part these adapters are universal? I did see some mention of different BT version like v1 and v1.2. Is 1.2 the latest, and if so is it backwards compatible with the earlier specs? The one I'm looking is a no-namer it seems with resonable specs like 100m range, 1MBps max. transfer, 128bit encryption for all under $10 shipped. Too good to be true? I'd like your opinions.

Here's the eBay link

Thanks

**xBrady** · 06-21-2006, 03:10 AM

Not too good to be true. Just get one that is 1.2. They are backward compatible. I've seen them for as little as $9 shipped. All the ones I've used have seemed to act the same.

**Rafster** · 06-21-2006, 03:56 AM

Get a Kensington USB BT Dongle... They're great!

Peace,

Rafster

**ppgt94** · 06-21-2006, 11:45 AM

Originally Posted by xBrady

Not too good to be true. Just get one that is 1.2. They are backward compatible. I've seen them for as little as $9 shipped. All the ones I've used have seemed to act the same.

There's also a v1.6 model If it's backwards compatable it should be a good deal, right?

**xBrady** · 06-22-2006, 05:55 PM

http://www.thetechgeek.com/content/p...d=8443&cid=117
$8.99 shipped.
Plus you can use this coupon code: THETECHGEEK10OFF

That one is compatible with v1.1, 1.2 and 2.0.

**ppgt94** · 06-30-2006, 02:26 AM

Thank, xBrady

**Sonicxtacy02** · 06-30-2006, 09:02 AM

i've had 4 ebay dongles and they've all failed at different intervals. I have the d-link bt120 now and its alot more reliable

**ppgt94** · 06-30-2006, 12:10 PM

Originally Posted by Sonicxtacy02

i've had 4 ebay dongles and they've all failed at different intervals. I have the d-link bt120 now and its alot more reliable

Great to know

**tom2112** · 07-12-2006, 10:52 AM

You want to be careful when picking up a bluetooth dongle. There are two things that are easy to confuse:

Bluetooth Spec v1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.6 (?!? never heard of 1.6 before), and 2.0

and

Bluetooth Class 1, 2, 3

The Spec tells you what version of BT the device uses. Definitely go for v2.0. All specs before 1.2 had interferrence issues and connectivity was easily degraded by other wireless devices and RF interference. Spec v2.0 added higher speed: 2Mbps instead of .721Mbps.

The class tells you the range of the device. Class 1 = 100m, Class 2 = 10m, Class 3 = 1m.

There's no reason you can't find a BT Spec v2.0 Class 1 device for less than $20. I've bought a couple from eBay with no complaints. WalMart also has an IOGear Class 2 v2.0 unit for about $25. Gotta love WalMart - if it doesn't work take it back.

Beware, many vendors incorrectly state the specs of the BT dongles. Look closely at the picture of the packaging for the real info. If you can't see it, don't buy it from them. Also beware: the really cheap BT dongles are usually pre-v1.2 spec (don't buy them!)

**wesniles** · 07-12-2006, 11:04 AM

the only bluetooth ive ever had was bought off of ebay. its made by the same people that make the bu-353 gps. the "BTA-806 USB Bluetooth Dongle" by US Global Sat. Its bluetooth v2.0, small and was cheep too. i think i paied less than $15 for everything. It works with my razr and it even recognizes the computer mic as a "headset". If your looking for a good bluetooth, i recomend it.