How to Choose the Best Bluetooth USB Dongle

July 13th, 2010

A Bluetooth USB Dongle is the same thing as a bluetooth dongle adapter, or simply bluetooth dongle. It is a device which makes use of the Bluetooth wireless technology to connect a Bluetooth-enabled device, such as bluetooth headphones, to one that is not Bluetooth-enabled.

For example, if you have a Bluetooth mobile phone and you want to transfer your files to a computer which is not Bluetooth-enabled, you can make use of this device. Since it is a USB dongle, there is no need to install it inside your computer’s casing. It can be used by connecting it to the Universal Serial Bus (USB) Port. This device provides for an easier and more efficient connectivity. It makes your Bluetooth device fully functional without the hassle and bulkiness of cords and wires.

First thing you need to check in order to have a good buy is the specifications you would want your Bluetooth USB Dongle to have. You are buying such a device because you require it to suit your needs. If you own an old computer which is not Bluetooth-enabled, you’ll probably need a 2.0 version dongle which will fit the USB port of your old unit. There are other port specifications available for dongles. Make sure that you know what port your computer has so your dongle will fit to it.

Since it uses Bluetooth technology, the USB Dongle should have the ability to access to different types of Bluetooth peripherals from mobile phones, PDA’s, laptops, scanners, printers, headset, gaming controllers, radio, and more. It should be able to do this with at least 7 devices simultaneously.

Like any other device that makes use of Bluetooth technology, it should be low-energy consuming. Meaning, if you are connecting it to your laptop, it should not easily drain out the battery.

The average range of connectivity that Bluetooth USB dongles in the market provide is at least 10 meters. Dongles which can be used within a lesser range might be no good.

Most consumers might want efficiency in everything they do. Since you are using this device to transfer files, connect to the Internet, or acquire connectivity with other people, you would also want it to perform fast to maximize your time. For this, make sure that the speed rate of your USB dongle is at least 3 MBPS.

The last but definitely most important factor for a good buy is the price. A USB dongle pegged at $11 per unit is the least price that gives you quality and cost-effectiveness.

These are the basic characteristics in making sure that you get a good deal out of purchasing a Bluetooth USB Dongle so that you can connect various Bluetooth peripherals and devices such as Bluetooth headphones, mobile phones, microphones, etc.

Posted in Articles, Blog, Desktops, Laptops, and Netbooks, General Information, Pairing or Bonding with Other Devices, Setup and Installation, Shopping | No Comments »

Using Bluetooth Headphones with Sony PlayStation 3 (PS3)

June 16th, 2010

Sony’s PlayStation 3 (PS3) is one amazing game machine that is popular among gaming enthusiasts. It has wireless game controls, WiFi support, broadband Internet connectivity, hard drive support, and fast processing power. While PS3 gaming can be fun with sounds coming out of surround sound speakers, there are times when you would want to keep your gaming privacy. In this regard, what makes the PlayStation 3 more wonderful is that you can play interactive games while using bluetooth headphones, which gives you wireless convenience.

Setting up your bluetooth headphones for use with your Sony PlayStation 3 is also a breeze. All it takes, at the most, is just three steps: bonding your devices, testing the volume, and further configuration of sound input and output.

Before you begin, you should be aware of the compatibility issues between your headset brand and PS3, as some bluetooth headsets may not work with the PS3. Some bluetooth stereo headsets may not work with the PS3, but if you can get them to work or be compatible with your TV set or your stereo receiver, you may be able to pull it through. Also keep in mind that PS3 has support for bluetooth version 2.0, which should be backwards-compatible. Last of all, you can only use one bluetooth accessory with the PS3 at a time.

Next, you need to fully charge your headphones first. Your headphone user’s manual should be able to give you the instructions. Then, turn on the headphone into pairing mode. Again, your user’s manual should be able to assist you here. Pairing mode will allow the PS3 to discover or detect your headphone. Then, bond the two devices. On the Settings tab in the PS3′s Cross Media Bar (more commonly referred to as the XMB), look for the Accessory Settings menu and select Manage Bluetooth Devices. You will be presented with instructions that will you guide you from detecting your headphone to bonding it with your PS3. The instructions are self-explanatory and easy.

Test your connection once pairing is complete. To do that, select Audio Device Settings from the Accessory Settings tab on the XMB. From there you can change the output and input volume, as well as test whether your headphones are properly paired and are functional.

For completely wireless gaming pleasure with your Sony PlayStation 3, you should try using bluetooth headphones. With the tips in this article, setting up your system will not be hard to do.

Posted in Articles, Blog, Computer Gaming, Music and Audio, Pairing or Bonding with Other Devices, Setup and Installation, Uses | No Comments »

Installing a USB Dongle for Your Bluetooth Headphones

June 11th, 2010

Bluetooth devices are indeed very common nowadays among the teenagers and adults. This is due to the convenience that bluetooth gives the people. Most modern cell phones and computers have bluetooth connectivity at present. With the use of bluetooth, information and files can be transferred without the use of wires. You can even listen to music through your bluetooth headphones–and without wires!

For your bluetooth headphones to work, both the headphone and the other device must connect via a wireless network. This network will be easy to set up if both devices are bluetooth-capable. However, if your computer does not have bluetooth support, you will need to install a bluetooth USB adapter or dongle, which is a wireless device that enables bluetooth connectivity. You can install one within a few minutes, depending on the speed rate of your computer.

The first step is to install the software drivers for your adapter. Your bluetooth dongle usually comes with a driver installation CD. If not, your operating system may already have support for your dongle model and brand. Insert the driver disc into the optical drive to set the driver installation process in motion.

You are now ready to install the new software, click install to continue the installation process. Follow the onscreen prompts. As the process begins, you should wait until the files have been copied to the computer already. Your computer will alert you when the installation of the driver is done.

As soon as the files have already been copied, you can now plug the bluetooth adapter into a USB port of your computer. The computer is then able to recognize the new hardware when it is plugged in. You are then free to access the bluetooth features available on your computer.

The process does not end there. You still need to set up your bluetooth network environment. To continue, press the next button and follow the onscreen instructions. You will be asked to provide a computer name and computer type. Then, your computer will configure the bluetooth service and later allow you to set which services should be run. At this point, you might want to add your bluetooth headset as a bluetooth device in your network. Once you’re done with the whole process, your bluetooth headphones should be ready for use together with your bluetooth adapter.

You can set up and control the bluetooth dongle through “My Bluetooth Places”. This allows you to search for other devices or even just to explore your files and some other user’s files.

To be able to enjoy sound from your bluetooth headphones, your computer must have bluetooth support. If such support is not built in, you need to install a USB dongle or adapter by following the easy steps described in this article.

Posted in Articles, Blog, Desktops, Laptops, and Netbooks, General Information, Pairing or Bonding with Other Devices, Setup and Installation | No Comments »

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