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