| Bluetooth is a wireless communication | | | | must be purchased with Bluetooth technology |
| protocol that provides a method of wirelessly | | | | pre-installed (there are no converters |
| exchanging data between bluetooth enabled | | | | available for these components). There are a |
| devices. Unlike Wi-Fi which requires more | | | | considerable number on the market and most |
| power to operate and a separate configuration | | | | work basically the same. Your choice should |
| for each device, Bluetooth requires low power | | | | be one of personal preference and as these |
| consumption, is relatively simple to use, and | | | | are separate devices it is not necessary to |
| is designed for use in a much smaller area. A | | | | replace both. Several of the more popular |
| network of devices formed around Bluetooth is | | | | models are made by Logitech and Microsoft. |
| known as a PAN, or Personal Area Network. | | | | |
| | | | Next step is the printer. While there are |
| While the technology has been around for over | | | | several newer printers on the market that are |
| ten years and its use has steadily grown, | | | | bluetooth enabled, many opt for a printer |
| still relatively few take full advantage of | | | | adapter which will do the same job. If you |
| the many capabilities it presents. One | | | | are in the market for a new printer, it makes |
| excellent use of Bluetooth technology for the | | | | sense to buy one that is already Bluetooth |
| consumer is in the home office. | | | | capable. If not, adapters are readily |
| | | | available for most printers. They are similar |
| The conversion of a typical home office set | | | | to the computer adapter in that they plug |
| up to wireless technology is fairly simple | | | | into the printers USB port. There are also |
| and straightforward. It is not required to | | | | several models available which will utilize |
| have any programming skills or advanced | | | | the parallel port for older printers. |
| computer skills in order to make it work. | | | | |
| | | | Congratulations - you have just set up your |
| In converting your home office to Bluetooth | | | | Personal Area Network. However, no more |
| wireless, the first order of business is | | | | hassling with wires and cables is just the |
| acquiring an adapter for your computer. This | | | | beginning. And this is where the real beauty |
| is a small device which plugs into the USB | | | | and functionality of Bluetooth lies. You now |
| port of your computer and will allow your | | | | have a PAN that will work well with any |
| computer to communicate with Bluetooth | | | | Bluetooth enabled device. Upload and download |
| components. Many of these adapters (or | | | | data from your PDA without wires. Wirelessly |
| dongles) are similar in size to the popular | | | | upload and print photos from a Bluetooth |
| USB flash drives. The adapter becomes the | | | | enabled digital camera. Print documents from |
| "master" and is capable of communicating with | | | | your laptop with no cables. If you enjoy |
| up to seven Bluetooth enabled devices. They | | | | music while you work, Bluetooth enabled |
| are manufactured by many well known companies | | | | stereo headphones are available. |
| in the wireless field, such as D-link and | | | | |
| Linksys, and are readily available. | | | | It is great technology with endless |
| | | | possibilities for both productivity and |
| Moving on, you may then want to consider a | | | | enjoyment. |
| wireless mouse and keyboard. These devices | | | | |