Bluetooth USB Dongle Reviews

The Bluetooth USB Dongle is a USB plug-in that allows a device to use Bluetooth technology to communicate with other devices over a short range wirelessly. You can exchange data, audio and video between devices such as laptops, desktops, cellphones, PDAs, cameras, printers, headsets, etc. wireless dongles help you eliminate long and unwieldy cable and makes it easier to port your devices. You can also make your own wireless local-area-network connecting multiple devices enabled with Bluetooth USB dongles.

Product manuals claim network coverage over a 100m range but practical system achieve only between 10-50m depending on the interference levels from other networks running in its neighborhood.

The Bluetooth USB dongles cost anywhere between $10-$100. If you are looking for a dongle for battery operated device such as a camera, look for ones that have efficient power consumption performance. If you are looking for greater coverage, go with Class-1 Bluetooth USB dongles. Also, read product manual to make sure that it is compatible with the device and operating system that you plan to use it with.

I have reviewed below some brands of Bluetooth USB dongles that I have used in the past.

I have used the Belkin USB Adapter F8T001 for connecting to my Dell laptop to my PDA. It is fast and easy to sync up to devices and also provides good coverage and high data transfer speeds in 30-40 feet radius. I did not have problems installing the software on my computer running XP OS. The device is also sleek and easy to carry. I have connected several devices simultaneously via the Belkin USB dongle.

The Linksys USBBT100 device delivers on performance but it has an inconvenient form-factor - it has a slim body but an antenna sticking out on its side. The antenna is supposed to enhance the range of network connectivity but if you are not careful handling it, it may break. My device's antenna came apart during an air-trip from no apparent mishandling. The drivers are difficult to install on devices running Windows Vista and Mac but its management and connectivity software is easy to use - it helps to discover other Bluetooth devices and networks in range.

The D-Link PersonalAir DBT-120 is a compact piece of hardware that also comes with a USB extension cable. Manual instruction must be followed carefully to install it correctly with your device. I had to uninstall the drivers a couple of times before I got it working with my laptop running Windows XP. I could communicate with my cellphone and printer with ease once I got it working. I obtain about 10-15m coverage without any problems.

Callpod's Bluetooth adapter called Drone is another nice option for connecting via Bluetooth. It does need software installation but it works only with headphones and headsets. It has a sleek appearance and a special feature that makes it very easy to sync up to headphones and headsets.