My words on Bluetooth

MooMooFarm · #1 (**permalink**) 01-23-2003, 07:42 AM

Well I think that the idea of Bluetooth is great but it needs to have more "Bluetooth - Enabled" devices! Currently there is only one printer that is Bluetooth enabled and then of course the PPC's and I also believe that there is one Cingular phone that is Bluetooth enabled. Well from where I stand the only incentive for the buyer is that you get bragging rights... Just because there is nothing really out there that you can use it for.. Now I am not trying to be too mean to the idea of Bluetooth because the idea is great its just it needs to get off of the ground!

AMCMoe · #2 (**permalink**) 01-23-2003, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by MooMooFarm@Jan 23 2003, 08:42 AM
Well from where I stand the only incentive for the buyer is that you get bragging rights... Just because there is nothing really out there that you can use it for.. Now I am not trying to be too mean to the idea of Bluetooth because the idea is great its just it needs to get off of the ground!

I very much agree with you! :lol:

RommelS · #3 (**permalink**) 01-23-2003, 03:32 PM

Bluetooth Protocol has the broadest application base, but it has limited range ...and as long that IEEE 802.11 is out there, and keeps getting better, Bluetooth's rise to popularity in the corporate industry will take a back sit for now.

Although I must admit, in all the wireless protocol, Bluetooth has the coolest name.

rclarke6 · #4 (**permalink**) 01-24-2003, 11:02 PM

Well I for one am using bluetooth on my Axim, and just love it. I have a Sony Ericcson T68i internet phone with bluetooth built into it, it is on the ATT Wireless network. I purchased the Socket communications CF Flash bluetooth card and can now use my Axim to surf the net to my hearts content as long as i am within 30 feet of my phone, which is no problem for me as i never let it out of my sight.

RommelS · #5 (**permalink**) 01-24-2003, 11:20 PM

Hmmm ...well I can go beyond 30 feet with my device or laptop with Wi-fi, and surf the net with my hearts content.

gardel · #6 (**permalink**) 01-26-2003, 01:27 PM

Yes, you can go a lot farther with WiFi. But you can only use WiFi if there's a nearby WiFi router. With my Bluetooth-enabled Axim and my Sony Ericsson T68i, I have relatively quick internet access anywhere I receive a cellular signal. I commute by train 1 hour each way everyday, and I will not give up my Bluetooth until they can figure out how to have moving WiFi hotspots.

WiFi is great when you are in one place and it's near a WiFi hotspot. Bluetooth is great when you are mobile and have a cell phone that can use it.

WiFi has its uses and Bluetooth has its own. The two are not in competition and are not mutually exclusive. In other words, bragging rights go only to those that have both, not one or the other.

RommelS · #7 (**permalink**) 01-26-2003, 01:47 PM

That's right, but why do you think Bluetooth is having a problem of being adapted to the mainstream ...it is because to 802.11 standard.

By the way ...no one is telling you to give up your Bluetooth.

gardel · #8 (**permalink**) 01-26-2003, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by RommelS@Jan 26 2003, 02:47 PM
That's right, but why do you think Bluetooth is having a problem of being adapted to the mainstream ...it is because to 802.11 standard.

That's like saying the reason Linux is not accepted broadly is because cars still run on gas. In other words: a non sequitor, or apples and oranges if you will.

Wifi and bluetooth are two entirely different things which meet entirely different needs. As I said, I use both Wifi and Bluetooth. Wifi serves ONE PURPOSE: To connect me to a nearby ethernet network wirelessly. Bluetooth, of course, can also connect me to ethernet wirelessly, but it is nowhere nearly as effective or as speedy as wifi in this regard.

On the other hand, wifi cannot (and never will be able to) connect me to the internet when there is no ethernet network available; connect me to my cellular phone (to get online; compose, send and receive SMS; synchronize my contacts and calendar between the phone and the Axim, etc.), or connect my Ax or my desktop to a headset for voice commands.

I have absolutely no idea whether Bluetooth will ever enjoy broad mainstream adoption. Nor do I really care, just like I really do not care if Linux ever hits the big time. I do know one thing: those who do not adopt Bluetooth are missing out on a tremendous resource for mobile connectivity that Wifi does not offer.

RommelS · #9 (**permalink**) 01-26-2003, 10:48 PM

I guess you haven't heard the news that there are companies out that are implimenting Wi-fi all around you. Another thing ...all the phone booth that you see there out in the streets will soon become Wi-fi hot spots.

I'm not saying that Bluetooth is such a bad idea, but the fact Bluetooth's range is very limited. I for one impliments and support Wi-fi at work, and I know what Wi-fi and Bluetooth has to over.

gardel · #10 (**permalink**) 01-26-2003, 11:14 PM

I'm very familiar with the future of wifi, the different development models being pursued by various companies in the field, and I have written extensively about the subject. I am very excited about the future of 802.11 in whatever incarnation it takes. So the condescending tone towards me is rather pointless.

My point is, again, that Bluetooth and Wifi are two DIFFERENT technologies which serve DIFFERENT purposes. They are not mutually exclusive. Both are here to stay and have bright futures and will coexist jointly very happily.

It is not a matter of either or. It is a matter of using both to maximize the benefits of mobile computing. I do not, in any way, mean to criticize wifi. But to say that wifi negates the need for Bluetooth (or that it is the reason that Bluetooth lags in acceptance) is simply incorrect.