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Belkin Bluetooth USB Adapter 10 Meters
Punit Lodaya, Jan 24, 2005 0000 hrs ISTThe first generation of Bluetooth dongles that have a range of 10 meters is still quite adequate for an average home user
Sleek looks, Stylish, Lightweight
Very expensive
Expert Rating :
We had reviewed the Belkin Bluetooth USB Adapter 100 Meters a couple of weeks ago. But not everyone will really require a Bluetooth dongle that has a range of 100 meters. The first generation of Bluetooth dongles, which have a range of 10 meters, is quite adequate for an average home user. Today, we have for review the smaller brother; or rather I would say a twin of the Belkin Bluetooth USB Adapter 100 Meters, which is none other than the Belkin Bluetooth USB Adapter 10 Meters.
The Belkin Bluetooth USB Adapter 10 Meters looks exactly like the 100 meter version. Even the physical dimensions and the weight are similar. Measuring 64 (l) x 22 (w) x 8 (h) mm and weighing 12g, this is one of lightest dongles that we have evaluated so far. This dongle too came in a rather unnecessarily large box, in which you could fit almost two dozen of them. The dongle itself is small, sleek and stylish and has the same color scheme of black and silver as the 100 meter version, giving it a futuristic look. However, there is no marking on the Bluetooth dongle to check if it is class 1 (100 Meters) or class 3 (10 Meters). There is, however, a model number written on the back of the dongle by which you can check the version on the Belkin Web site. We had mixed them up a couple of times and had to use the Web site to sort them out.
Installation
Windows XP requires you to install Service Pack 1 before you can attach any Bluetooth device. Since it doesn't install any Bluetooth device automatically, the Belkin Bluetooth USB Adapter 10 Meters had to be installed manually. The installation took place without much effort. It's highly recommended that you install the WIDCOMM Bluetooth software, as it is one of the easiest ways to configure the device. After installing the application, you can start it immediately. Upon starting it up, the configuration wizard pops up, which will guide you step-by-step to configure the dongle and the service you want to use with it. The software offers a variety of services like file transfer, Bluetooth LAN, fax, headset, etc. Even though a manual is provided explaining the step-by-step procedure, configuring Bluetooth devices with the dongle is still a pain in the neck.
Usage
Since the dongle complies with Bluetooth specification v1.1, it will be compatible with most Bluetooth products sold in the market. We were able to configure it to work with a variety of cell phones, headsets as well as another Bluetooth dongle. It didn't seem to have any compatibility issue with cell phones like Nokia 3650, 7650, N-Gage and other Series 60 phones like Sony Ericsson T68, P800, P900 and P910. One can also sync this device with Pocket PCs and Palmtops having Bluetooth support. It can even be connected to printers having Bluetooth support like the HP DJ450 CI. Programs such as Nokia PC suite and Oxygen Phone manager were also compatible with this Bluetooth dongle.
Performance
The rated working range of this Bluetooth dongle is 10 meters. But in reality, the range depends upon a lot of factors such as the environment, number of users and other wireless devices. It was able to work properly up to 7 meters, but with a lot of interference in between. Anything beyond that used to disconnect the Bluetooth device. But then even 7 meters is good enough for Bluetooth communication. The transfer speed of this device with a cell phone (Nokia N-Gage) was around 30 Kbps in both directions. Performance wise, it is up to the mark. Range wise, it had 70% efficiency, which is quite good compared to the 100 meters model, which has only 30% efficiency. We also connected it to the Apple iMac G5 and transferred images and video clips from the Nokia 6670 and it worked fine.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a sleek Bluetooth dongle, then this is the one. But, this dongle sells for Rs. 2,270/-, which is almost double the price of other similar performing Bluetooth dongles like the X-Micro Bluetooth USB Dongle. So if it's just performance that you want, then it's highly recommended that you skip this one.
Test Unit Sourced From: Carrypaq Asia Pacific Pvt Ltd., Mumbai.
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