USB Bluetooth Adapter
1 Great after a little installation trouble
I bought this so I could pair a Bluetooth headset with it for use with Skype. I use XP Pro on my laptop. During installation the MS driver got installed instead of the Linksys one on the CD (not sure how - I *think* it's a bug but maybe I did something wrong). Nothing worked correctly, but the symptoms and error message gave NO clue. Finally a call to Linksys tech support identified the problem (took the senior tech support guy 45 minutes to figure it out) and I got the right driver installed. Once the adapter was working correctly there were still a few problem getting the headset working right, but that wasn't Linksys problem. Headset documnentation is still 100% oriented toward operation with bluetooth enabled handsets, so it took a little work. Now I'm a relatively happy campler - sound is acceptable but not great, the effective distance is 15-20 feet.
2 Works well with iMac & Treo 650 & T|T3
This is great. On my iMac (running Mac OS X -- Panther) it is plug and play. Sending files back and forth between the iMac, the Treo 650 & the Tungsten T3 is a breeze. highly recommended.
3 Installed and working with Windows XP and Treo 650
I had no problems installing and using this. The only small issue was setting up the synchronization with the Treo. You need to use the Bluetooth setup app that is accessed the same way as setting up a bluetooth headset. You also have to ensure that you right click on the bluetooth icon on XP and indicate that the PC can be discovered. Once those things are done then everything works right away. Oh yea. You also have to create a 'virtual serial device' which again involves a right mouse click on the BT icon. You just click on the COM ports tab and click 'add'.
This product will not and should not work without some configuration due to security issues. You wouldn't want any BT device to discover your PC without your consent.
4 Great range, no problems with XP Pro SP2
I bought this item because of my mobility at the office. I use a softphone on one USB port, and needed to share my PocketPC and mouse on the other USB port. Since my PocketPC had bluetooth, I decided to buy a bluetooth mouse and a bluetoooth adaptor.
I settled on the Linksys because of previous positive experience with their products. Additionally, I liked the fact that the Linksys had a real antenna. The class 1 status was irrelevant to me, but it's turned out to be very handy.
Installation was a snap -- I just used the Microsoft tools built-in. This worked great on both my Dell Dimension desktop and Dell D600 laptop -- both run Windows XP Professional with SP2.
Connection of the mouse was painless. It works like a charm. Connection of the PocketPC was a bit of a challenge, though it now works flawlessly.
Range is awesome! I've been able to go in a business building about 100 feet away and still keep my PocketPC connected. This is in a building with countless 802.11 devices as well, so there's a lot of interference.
The only gripe I have about the adaptor is that it doesn't have a clip to attach it to the top of a laptop. It's rather long, so on my laptop it sticks out a fair amount.
Overall, excellent purchase, and I'm completely satisfied.
5 Don't waste time if you use XP SP2
Buying from Amazon.com is great because returns are so painless. I returned my Linksys Bluetooth adapter recently because it behaves badly with Windows ServicePack 2. Another wonderful thing about Amazon.com is the posted reviews prohesized all of this!! I assumed I might be smarter than them, having a Ph.D. and all. Hugh....the installation program warns you of this incompatible marriage. The Linksys USB Bluetooth adapter is unrealiable - Win XP SP2 user beware. So, if you are stuck behind bars and are running Win XP-SP2, this is just the toy to help you pass your days. So, if you Linksys support, think again. After another wasteful morning with Linksys Live Chat support (two separate blokes), they are clueless. So, if you really want wireless connectivity to a cell phone, try something else, like IR. It is probably worth reflecting on why you find so few bluetooth adapters on the market for PCs.
6 Does not work. No help from tech support.
After installing the software and adapter according to instructions, the adapter does not work. We called tech support, and after holding for more than 30 minutes, reached a representative who does not speak English. We then e-mailed tech support. The auto response promised a reply within 24 hours. This was two days ago.
7 A great Bluetooth Usb Adapter to own
After buying the BELKIN F8T001 usb bluetooth adapter at my job. I return it and had one of my friends get me the Linksys USBBT100 bluetooth usb adapter from his job.
And let me tell you this thing works like a dream. Range is incredible. Connection times are great. And it comes with a little usb extension thing its not that long though, but it does the job.
At first it would not work correctly but it wasnt the adapter it was freaking Windows XP SP2. After talking on the phone with the linksys, tech, who didnt know what really to do. He told me to go to the linksys website and search for Windows XP SP 2 problems with the particular usb adapter. 3 mins later i my adapter was working perfectly.
8 Great Device. Beware the Setup
DO NOT PLUG THIS DEVICE IN BEFORE INSTALLING LINKSYS DRIVER.
When it asks you to plug the device in hit cancle and complete the installation.
Also do not reboot the machine with the device plugged in.
In fact don't even use the disk. Go download the driver from the website to be sure you don't have a disk that is even older than the driver on the site (dates to 2003)
When you do plug the device in windows will STILL install a generic bluetooth radio driver. At that point you need to go to device manager right click on the generic driver and select update driver. Then select Pick a Driver yourself. If it asks to check for windows updates say no. If it says its unsigned say continue anyway. Then you should see linksys bluetooth adaptor listed as an option. Select and apply. whenever you use a USB port that has not been used you this process will have to be repeated. Once you have successfuly done this you will only see the linksys driver listed in device manager and you should only see one icon in your system tray.
I really could not decide whether to give this device 5 stars or 3. The Unit works fantastic once it is set up. I use it with a Jabra250 headset and can walk freely all over my house. Other typical USB BT adaptors have ranges more in line with headset phone connections.. ie 10-20 feet.
I am also concerned about the antenna but for me the added range was a very desireable feature... I like to pace while I am on the phone (skype, vonnage and or messenger voice connections)
So overall score is 3 but that is only due to the problems installing with SP2. Once it is up and running I give it 5 stars and there really isn't anything else readily available in its class for range.
9 Nice when it works (which is almost never.)
I would like to use the Linksys adapter with my Toshiba laptop. I have sometimes actually made the combo work. No other device in recent memory has caused me as much frustration as this adapter and my laptop which is now running Windows XP SP2.
Range: I have had excellent results in my house, on my back deck, etc. I am using a T3 PDA which does not have the range that this adapter has, so it is always the limiting factor.
Installation: I installed under XP and then after an unrelated machine wipe reinstalled under XP-SP2. Installing under SP2 is possible if you go to the website first, read the special instructions and follow their recipe. It is a technical pain the butt. It does work, however. Until...
What's wrong: My device worked perfectly until I booted my computer away from the hub and bluetooth adapter. Since then, Bluetooth does not work. To get the bluetooth to work again, you have to follow the installation instructions for reinstalling the drivers, then it will work again, until the adapter is moved to another slot or fails to load.
The promise of USB is that I can plug and unplug devices at will and everything will still work. This device requires reconfiguring the software every time you plug it in. I would gladly trade it for anything that did not have that problem.
10 Will not work with Windows Professional OS's (2000 or XP)
Do not buy this device if you use a professional OS. When installed on my system, I experienced driver stack failures and constant "Installs" on bootup. I worked for two weeks attempting to get the drivers and device to work properly on my computer (running Windows 2000 Professional). Linsys Tech support was fairly useless, and transferred me to no less than 12 support analysts. Finally I was able to work with an analyst that informed me that they "only test the device with an Administrator account", and I have to use the device with an Administrator account. Unfortunately, no one who wants to keep their system secure uses an Administrator account for day to day work (only to install software, etc). The ineffective and lazy tech service, coupled with an unrealistic device design approach (i.e. you must be an administrator to use device) has left me with a poor impression of the Linksys company.
Further research has uncovered that in general USB devices "reload" on login, but for network devices (like the bluetooth), this requires an Admin account to re-access the network stacks. Any advice from someone who has overcome this limitation would be greatly appreciated (kcarver@houston.rr.com)
11 Doesn't automatically initialize
I've found that with this device I have to unplug and then replug in the device everytime I boot up my computer in order for it to work. If it wasn't for this one serious flaw, I could give this device 5 stars. What's the point of bluetooth if you have to go through such an inconvienence to use the device? Also, the drivers have not been updated since 2003, so my guess is that Linksys doesn't really plan to fix bugs anytime soon.
It does connect to my Nokia 3660 just fine, and allows me to sync to my phone, and establish an internet connection from my Cellphone to my PC through GPRS data. So it does work, but I'd really recommend trying a different brand for this type of product.
12 Flawless - read on if you want to use with messenger/netmeet
Installation - no problems - but I had to copy the CD to my HDD for software to install on win2K. Few minutes and one reboot.
Pairing with my BT headset (Jabra 250) - about a minute.
Configuring MSN messenger and Netmeeting to use Bluetooth audio as the audio device - 2 - 3 minutes.
Done - sailing merrily away.
And Boy! - what range. I used to think that the limitation would be the puny range of the Jabra 250 BT headset. With this adapter I am able to go to the furthest corner of all rooms and still have no breakup while I talk to my folks half a world away for free on Netmeeting/Messenger. Total mobility. However - using my panasonic microwave totally breaks up the sound (kinda expected)- thats the only glitch.
OK - so if you use the computer to talk to folks for free, use your savings and get yourself a BT headset (I have a Jabra 250 - got it on Amazon), pair it with a Linksys BT adapter, retune your audio setting on messenger/netmeeting - and when you do, change the audio device from your existing soundcard to the BT adapter (you will see two choices - where you previously saw only one) - and you will no longer need to scrunch in front of your computer while you talk. Your preferred audio device (in windows control panel), should still remain your soundcard - otherwise, you will land up playing Winamp through your BT headset. Since the Jabra microphone is near your earlobe - you can talk and eat at the same time (in case you are hungry!).
I bought this adapter after "experiencing" the D-link BT adapter. What a lousy piece of nonsense that was. Wasted many hours trying to get it to work - and when it did, its range was pathetic. Headset audio would break up even within a room.
I give Linksys 5 blue stars - great performance and robust software.
13 watch out for XP SP2
I bought this item thinking that the name-brand justified the higher price, and seeing the "free 24/7 tech support" as a possible value. It didn't work from the moment I installed it (through no real fault of Linksys as it turns out, blame Microsoft) so I called a tech support line for the second time in my life. After ten minutes on hold, the young Indian phone jockey spent ten minutes quizzing me on completely pointless material (who is my Internet Service Provider?). When she didn't understand my answer, she just repeated the same scripted question verbatim. I might as well have been talking to a voice-response system. After she went away for ten minutes, she returned to read a litle script "As I have not been trained to support this device, I must transfer you to another technician." I spent another ten minutes on hold, at which point I decided to give Google a whirl. Turns out that SP2 was the first release to include Bluetooth support from Microsoft, and that stack is not compatible with this device. Furthermore, since the Microsoft driver is signed, and Linksys's driver is not signed, the Microsoft driver takes precedence. Don't blame Linksys, Microsoft has no procedure in place to sign anyone else's Bluetooth drivers but their own.
See the Microsoft Knowledge Base, article 883258. (Sorry I can't post the URL here - Amazon's review guidelines prohibit it).
14 Works great, but follow dash-o's advice with XP SP2.
Thanks to dash-o's excellent review and advice, I was able to install this device without a hitch. I seems to work as promised. I'm able to connect to my Verizon v710 and dial out with it. No more need for a USB cable. I can also use the laptop's microphone to voice-dial the phone, but I haven't figured out how to get the phone audio to play through the laptop speakers yet. Still, handy tool if you have a v710.
15 Doesn't work with a Nokia 6600
It won't stay connected for more than a few seconds to a Nokia 6600, either with the latest (11 month old) drivers from Linksys or with the drivers included in SP2 for WinXP. You also have to remove it and plug it back in between connection attempts.
16 Some setup issues with Windows XP SP2.
Let me start by saying that this bluetooth adapter works great under Windows XP and Mac OS X once is setup correctly.
If you are using Windows XP SP1 then there is nothing to worry about. Make sure to first setup the drivers from the software CD, and then insert the adapter when setup requests it. The new Windows XP SP2 generic bluetooth drivers detect and install this adapter, however, there are some caveats if one wants to expose services to bluetooth devices, which instead requires the drivers on the software CD. Make sure not to plug-in the adapter or setup the software before reading Microsoft Knowledge Base Article - 840635 "Cannot install a Bluetooth device after you install Windows XP Service Pack 2." See http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=840635
Mac OS X 10.3.5 was a non-event--just connect the adapter to the computer and the bluetooth icon will appear on the system menu, then click on the icon to pair the device and discover it's services. If you are planning to synchronize contacts and calendar entries make sure your phone is supported by iSync (1.5 as of this writing.) No that if your phone model is not explicitly listed (http://www.apple.com/isync) it will probably not work--as I found out with my Nokia 6620.
Something to note is the antenna is a little fragile and will probably break from the excesive handling some of us give to memory sticks.
Update Oct 6, 2004 - I was forced to return this adapter as "defective" today. I am not sure if I got a faulty unit or if there are compatibility problems between it and some motherboards--Asus P4C800-E. This is what I wrote to customer service: "The Linksys Bluetooth Adapter does not work after a computer cold boot. Windows detects a new device "CSR Generic Bluetooth Adapter in DFU State." Researching the problem found the device goes into "firmware update mode." Reinstalling Windows does not fix the problem. Tried both WIndows XP SP1a and SP2." Note this adapter works fine as long as it is plugged/unplugged while the computer is still running.
17 Excellent Product!
This is a great little adapter. It works great on both PC's and Mac's with Windows XP and OS X. I love it. Simple to use, no drivers needed for mac's. It has a really good signal, too, enabling me to use my phone 2 floors away from my computer! Its great!
18 Easy Way To Synchronize Mobile Phone and PC
After researching different websites on an inexpensive way to connect my Sony Ericsson T610 and PC via Bluetooth I ended up choosing this product over others...I made the right choice! While the software involved isn't the most user-friendly, it does the job relatively well. I was able to synchronize my phone contacts and notes from Outlook with my phone which took literally seconds to transfer. Like I mentioned before, the software (especially initial configuration), takes some time especially if this is your first experience with Bluetooth. But once it is setup, it is very easy to keep your phone's information up to date. I definitely recommend this product!
19 Not much to say about this
Just plugged it into my Mac and off it went. Couldn't be easier! No drivers to install under OS X, just 100% plug and play.
20 Bluetooth USB device a breeze to use
Was a little hesitant in choosing a device but the Linksys USB bluetooth adapter was a wise choice. Its easy to use, has good range and great customer support
21 Better than Belkin's F8T001, solid drivers.
Belkin looked like they were abandoning the F8T001 v1, the one which started my Bluetooth adventures. Drivers weren't current, and while Belkin's tech support is very good (and always available), drivers matter.
On a chance, I scored a Linksys Bluetooth adapter, and it was immediately better. Drivers were more current, and most importantly, I was finally able to get Nokia's PC Suite to work. 3rd party apps, song samples, and especially phone updates are now all available to me. What's more, I was sync'ing my contacts and calendar from Outlook.
Range? Pretty impressive: with a rough estimate of about 50m from adapter to phone in a corporate setting, fluorescent lights humming and dozens of computers between us, I still had full access to my PC from the phone. Outstanding.
I recommend this adapter over the Belkin, and with current drivers and some patience, you can get your Nokia 3650 working like mine. And just in case you need it, just ask for me in Amazon's Discussion Boards, and I'll help however I can.
Fred
22 Nice Hardware, Annoying Software.
The adapter works great, I have great coverage over the entire condo (and back yard). My only complaint (pet peeve) is the software, which LinkSys has decided you will love so much that it puts a link both in the system tray and on the desktop, neither of which you can delete. Desktop cleanup involved a little RegEdit and a lot of cursing... I'll definately try another brand before buying any more Linksys products.
23 Amazing Product
I've owned 3 bluetooth usb adapters, this being my third. This one is flawless. Perfectly pairs with all devices and works from pretty far away. Also Linksys offers premium support for their product. This one is simply the best above the rest.
24 Great product! Exceeded expectations.
When I first bought my iPaq 2215, my intention was to purchase an 802.11b compact flash network card to be able to connect to my home wireless network. I wasn't sure about the built-in Bluetooth capability of the PDA or what I could do with it. I did some research and decided maybe this technology could give me what I wanted - to connect to my home PCs and surf the 'Net from the PDA. Additionally, a Bluetooth dongle would be portable so I could take it to work and connect to my PC there.
I got the Linksys USBBT100 and simply followed the provided installation instructions. I configured the services I wanted and the PDA connected worked exactly as planned. I now carry the Bluetooth dongle to work to transfer files or connect to the 'Net there and I bring it home so I can connect to a PC there.
The range is much better than I ever expected. I can go anywhere in the house and maintain the connection. I have great range around the office, too. It works anywhere in our 4000 square foot office. It even works outside the office into the lobby of the building.
The only issue I had was in the configuration of services on the PC so that I could connect to the 'Net. The Bluetooth driver warns that it may cause the PC not to be able to connect to other PCs but that hasn't been the case. Running IPCONFIG shows the Bluetooth network IP address of 192.168.0.1. Apparently, this isn't configurable but this hasn't caused any problems with either network I use the device on.
All in all, this was a great purchase. I see no need in getting the 802.11b network card for my iPaq. Now, I can keep both the compact flash slot and the secure digital slot open for other accessories and I have wireless connectivity, too. Now I'm sold on Bluetooth and I'm looking into other Bluetooth devices - a Bluetooth cell phone will be next.
Great product, great price.
25 easy to install, great range!
My household is a bit geeky. If you walk into my apartment, you'll find four laptops, two desktops, four Palms, two iPods, and two cell phones. Two of the Palms and one of the cell phones are Bluetooth-enabled, but none of the computers are. Until we bought this adapter, that is.
It works like a champ in all of our computers. For the record, we've used it on Windows 2000, Windows XP, Linux (the Gentoo flavour, if you care), and OS X. For the Windows computers and the Mac, it's pretty much plug-and-play. This adapter is quite happy talking to the Sony Ericsson T608 cell phone, as well as both Palm Tungsten T3s. I can work with it in any room in the apartment, and even into the hallway and a bit in the elevator. It's made getting telephone numbers into the phone a lot easier, not to mention keeping information updated between everything.
Unless we buy a new computer with a built-in Bluetooth module, I'm sure that we'll get another one of these.
26 So Easy to Install and Use!
Hi,
I bought this device to transfer my cell phone address book to my computer. With this in mind, I heartily recommend the Bluetooth USB adapter. The only negative point of this product is the high price. Read my detailed comments below:
Easy to Install
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The installation was really easy! I just popped in the CD and followed the directions! I have Windows 2K, by the way.
Actually Works
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Better yet was the cool way that the transfer worked w/o any whack errors!
Familiar User Interface
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There is a set of "folders" called something like "Bluetooth neighborhood" that shows up in the explorer bar. This shows you the devices connected by Bluetooth to your PC etcetera!
My limited use has already made me so happy, that I am DYING to find out what else I can use Bluetooth for.
Still Costs Too Much
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The only bad thing is the PRICE. It seems like something like this should cost like 5 bucks. But I guess Linksys has to pay for Research and Development or something. I think the price should drop, though. So if you are on a budget, wait a few months.
27 range is really improved, but depends on client
I got this product
it replaces the hawking bt dongle (it's just class 3)
the setup is one-stop installation and replacement, but I have problem the internet access/hotsync/activesync from pda at first
make sure check the properties of "my device", then check the properties of network access, check the internet
after that and couple of times of reboot, it works
ppc range is greatly improved, but palm has only a little bit improvement
it's working on nokia n-gage too, but I don't check the range yet
then I found the 100m claimed range depends on the client/opponent
I would give 92/100, a good recommendation for pocket pc users
28 Great looks, no driver headaches, & works like a charm!
If you own a bluetooth enabled phone, this is a MUST-HAVE accessory! I've owned this for two weeks and here's my experience w/it so far.
Installation was a snap! I am using Windows XP SP1. I downloaded the latest drivers from Linksys website and during the install process, it prompted me to plug in the dongle, then it finished and was up and working! That easy! I've read about others having driver problems w/other lesser name brands (Belkin, etc) but Linksys truly does live up to its name. I've also installed drivers on my laptop so I now have a Bluetooth enabled laptop also! It's easy switching the dongle from desktop to laptop because of the USB connector. Pairing w/my Sony Ericsson T610, I now have wireless internet access on my laptop anywhere I can get a signal on my cell phone!
Syncing w/Outlook is much faster than through IRDA and sending pictures/ringtones/games to and from the phone is a lot more convenient too because it doesn't require line of sight the way IRDA does.
The specs claim 100m but you've gotta remember that's unobstructed. I live in a 2800sq ft home w/two floors and this unit still picked up a weak to fair signal from one end of my house to the other. I would get strong signals from about 3/4's of the distance or closer.
You can probably save $10-15 going w/a generic or lesser name brand but full driver support from generics may be a hit-and-miss game. To me, paying a bit extra for fully compliant driver support and no installation headaches is certainly worth it! Plus, it looks cool and has that antenna for better range.
