Is Bluetooth needed?

I just got a new Dell laptop without Bluetooth - am I missing out on something? What is Bluetooth good for? I already have the wireless card option so maybe I don't need Bluetooth?

What accessories use Bluetooth? What is Bluetooth?

 

bluetooth is a wireless tech that just links stuff together without cords, headsets, cell phones, mice, keyboards, and i think some printers. u dont NEED bluetooth, its just one of those things nice to have. i got it on my laptop for the future more than now. hopefully they will come out with some cool accesorys

 

Bluetooth basically allows external devices to connect to your laptop without using a USB cord. Devices can be mouse, PDA, cell phone, headphones, etc. There are a ton of bluetooth devices.

It doesn't connect to the internet like your wireless card. Bluetooth can be used with your cell phone to connect to the internet, but speeds probably won't be that great.

Unless you have a specific device that is bluetooth capable, then you won't use it. I use mine to sync my PDA with my laptop plus I'm also getting a bluetooth mouse.

SG

 

Bluetooth devices are usually overpriced and none of them are unique..... meaning, you can always find a cheaper substitute.

I would only buy a bluetooth notebook if my cellphone is also bluetooth enabled.
But since my cellphone can do bluetooth and infrared, I find getting an infrared notebook to be more useful.

Bluetooth has been around for a while, but other than of cellphone headset they are not popular. Just my observation.

 

True, they aren't very popular. I only use mine to synch with my cellphone but there are other devices you can connect to your computer with it such as mice, PDAs, printers, cameras, gamepads. You can have up to 7 devices connected at the same time. It has been stated that PS3 controllers will be bluetooth enabled, so if you're a gamer, imagine having 4 people playing on your computer some FPS without having 4 USB ports.

 

Bluetooth is cool but its sometimes frustrating to use. I have a Jabra Bt headset. I have been messing around with it and skype. I got it to work on skype but the range on it is said. If I go anymore then a couple of feet away it starts getting really fuzzy.

One cool toy I saw was a bluetooth remote control car for Sony Ericsson Bt phones.
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Bluetooth is sometimes very nice to have, but isn't really a necessity for most people. I have bt in my desktop and laptop, and hardly use it.

 

the idea is you can link several devices to your computer wirelessly. it is like a router for components. it acts as middle man so all can connect together thru it to your computer and "talk" to each other across it. i dont see a real use for it unless you just really hate wires.

 

Yeah I was surprised on how flaky it can be. I thought it was a more established technology. My mouse has always connected no problem with the built in Bluetooth and works great - I enjoy the no dongle sticking out of the Laptop.

I recently purchased a BT enabled phone with the ability to transfer files back and forth from Phone ==> Computer and Computer ==> Phone.

This does not always just work. Sometimes it takes minutes to connect - sometimes I have to power cycle the phone. It will eventually work - but again I was expecting it to just work.