hakubak

(I know this isn't technically about WiFi, but there is no Bluetooth section)

So what's the deal with Bluetooth already. It was supposed to be this great answer to all things wireless. So far, it's about as user-friendly as a badger.

I can make connections with my PC. Next question: Why would I? For syncing, I get much better performance with the cradle/cable. If I want to be connected as I wander my house or office, I'll use my 802.11 connection. Using Windows Mobile 2003, it's completely painless vs. Bluetooth's Choose a Partner|Choose a Service|Choose a Connection hassle.

Connecting to a cell phone? Yup. Tried that. I don't use dial-up services anymore, so I don't have an ISP to call. In a pinch, I can do email directly from my phone.

I don't have a Pocket PC Phone Edition device, but even if I did, I doubt that I'd use one of those Bluetooth headsets. They look so bulky I'd feel like a freakin' Borg wearing it. Give me an ear bud with a fine wire any day.

Bit of a rant there. Sorry. My overall point is that Bluetooth is at the bottom of my list of requirements for my next Pocket PC.

gracar

BT is great for GPS applications; the UK is bringing out some new in vehicle mobile phone regualtions in December and BT headset usage will certainly grown and not everyone (in fact hardly anyone) has a home wifi hotspot so I guess it just goes to show how two people can feel so differently about one thing!

hakubak

Makes sense. Even so, if I had a use for GPS, I'd look at a GPS jacket rather than carrying another external gizmo.

ireland

For me the main barrier in North America to BT adoption has been price, not function. I've been amazed at how long it has taken for the BT adapters and devices to become reasonably affordable (especially compared to 802.11b CF and SD cards). I know that manufacturers have to recoup their costs, but the result is that few of us have any experience with BT . . . unlike the situation with 802.11.

hakubak

Let me start by saying that I have no interest in "winning" this discussion. I honestly wish I could find a cool use for my device's Bluetooth feature. As I stated in the thread opening, I've been trying different uses. Bluetooth works - it just hasn't made its case yet.

I'm looking for the Bluetooth "killer app."

I have a 5455, so I have my choice between Bluetooth and 802.11. Thus far, 802.11 keeps winning.

BTW, 802.11 got a lot better after I switched to Windows Mobile 2003. Much easier to set up. If you're a wireless junkie, it's well worth the upgrade for that alone.

groan

For those of us who tried out bluetooth just because it was there and don't have wifi...i found this guide incredibly helpful
Bluetooth guide

he hits on many issues and with the screenshots, it's very easy to follow.
i did this in one try and have not had to redo my "partnership" ever again.

it is nice when you are in front of the tv and want to look up something in a pinch without having to leave the couch...or the bed!

elbe

I use both BT and wifi.

Wifi at home and at work to connect to my networks and internet.

BT I use to connect to internet with my old bt cellphone when I dont have access to wifi.

I use bt with my gps. In car with SmartST voice navigation program together with my bt-headdset I can easy hear all voice commands from SmartST.

I also use bt with my nokia 6310 bt cellphone. Together with Running Voice GSM om my ipaq it gives me a solution that is as near as you can come a pocket phone without buing one. My old nokia 6310 works like a very intelligent bt headset together with rvsgsm on my ipaq.

The best of all is that I can use all above bt connections at the same time

I have an ipaq 5550, an ericsson bt headset, a nokia 6310 cellphone with wired headset and a navman 4400 bt gps.

allklrnoflr

I think BT is awesome!!!!! I will no longer consider a cell phone or pda if it does not have BT. Just like elbe I use my WiFi at work and at home and BT when neither are available. BT is also way easier on battery life from my own experiences. I just upgraded from a SE T68i to a SE T610 and the BT experience is much better. The one advantage that BT has is that it can be used anywhere your cellphone can be used.

rawbi01

elbe, are you saying that you use GPS and a headset with BT? I was going to buy a mini FM transmitter so I could hear the voice prompts but it sounds like I can get a BT headset instead. This true or did I miss something..

__________________
h5455 pm2003 iGuidance / GlobalSat GPS BT -

rayh059

My 2 centavo's...

I'm new to this, but the way I see it we have options. That's the beauty of it. I'm looking to use BT to sync contacts on my phone (which I don't have yet). WF appears to be a better solution for e-mail etc. (buy.com wireless Netgear router (G), $55 US). I've been syncing at home on my cradle and at work via IR. Works fine for me.
I suppose since currently I don't have a wireless router at home or work, I could get one of those usb-BT thingies. I suppose I could sync with that (which I don't need) I don't know if I could get an internet connection by bridging my USB-BT and the already installed network connection...

Options...

elbe

rawbi01, yes I use a bt headset with my ipaq 5550 and navman bt 4400. With the bt headset I can hear all voice instructions from my gps-program