Introduction to Bluetooth Technology

Retire the Wire, with Bluetooth technology!

When you set up your cable or DSL connection to the Internet, your cable or phone company will tell you to plug your PC or Mac straight into their modem, which is just like plugging your computer into the Internet.

This is a very bad idea. Instead, you want to plug your computer into a simple hardware router. A simple hardware router will contain a built-in firewall suitable for home or small business use. You get the added benefit that you can run multiple computers off your broadband (cable or DSL) connection.

We use Linksys routers. You can find them costing $50 and up. For example, Office Depot has a Linksys 10/100 Router for $59.99. Keep the software firewall on your PC turned on as well.

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When we saw that they were referring, as an alternative- CardService merchant accounts to their viewers, with term commitments, cancellation fees, and higher rates, we thought they would be excited to hear about the rates and terms that our merchants enjoy.

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Why is it called Bluetooth?  Click here to find out! 

Bluetooth was designed to carry voice or data over very short distances, to replace the interconnecting cabling that is commonplace today.  The specified range of 10 to 30 feet is often reduced as Bluetooth operates in the same band (2.4 GHz) as many other devices, like cordless telephones.  For handheld devices, like printers, headsets, and card readers, this is not a problem (how far away from your PDA can you be and still swipe?)

For audio devices, (headsets) installation is simple, but for data devices, you first must "pair" the unit to your PDA using a passkey for encryption.  Once "paired" the Bluetooth connection looks like a serial port to the software, and all you need to do is tell the application which serial port to use.  Examples of pairing and setup are available here.

Handhelds that have built-in Bluetooth that we have tested are: Treo 650, T-Mobile HP6315, Sprint 6600/6601, Audiovox 6600/6601 (Verizon), Nokia Series 60, Sony Ericsson P800, 900, and 910 to name a few.

There are two distinct schools of thought regarding Bluetooth connections.  Unlike a physical wire, the invisible link between your devices can be lost.  Microsoft (on Pocket PC), Nokia, and Sony Ericsson take the approach- "Assume the connection is intact".  This has the benefit of being totally transparent- while the connection is good, but the disadvantage of having to manually re-connect if it is lost.  We provide a method of doing this action on these units.

Palm, on the other hand, takes the approach- "Verify the connection each time the link is used".  While this makes sure you are never caught with a non-functioning link by surprise, it does add a step (selecting and verifying the connection) each time you use the Bluetooth device.  A small price to pay, as you always know your unit will work.  With the others, the only indication you have lost your link is a swipe that will not register, or a receipt that will not print.  If that does happen, just tap on the Bluetooth icon, and perform a "Reset Comm"

The early PDA's with Bluetooth were very difficult to use, and had a number of bugs.  Of course, this is common with a lot of new technology, but the format has gotten better and better, and the latest PDA's with Bluetooth, the 6600 & 6601 Pocket PC's and the Treo 650 have made it easier than ever to use.  Personally, I am still waiting for the coffee pot that will use Bluetooth to tell me to run and grab the last cup before it is gone.

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