BT Scenario--What's my range?

[Linux_Zen]

Okay, so, let's say I get an h194X. Then I get a BT dongle for my PC. How far of open-air (no walls or floors--maybe a couch) can I get between the iPAQ and the dongle (let's say it's on top of my moniter, maybe 4' / 1.3m above the floor)?

Thanks guys--I'm trying to see if BT can carry out what my BT needs would be. Again, thanks.

[Ripper014]

I think that most qoute a range of 100 feet in an open area. I think you would be lucky to get half of that. I had one set up and I got about 20 feet with a few walls in the way.

[David Prahl]

You might think about 802.11b instead of BT. I get very decent range with my X5 and (currently being reviewed) X3i.

BT has some fantastic applications, but if your goal is to surf the web wifi might be a better choice.

[Ripper014]

I agree that wifi is the better solution, but he is thinking about getting a HP194X with built-n bluetooth. Hence the question...

[aroma]

I do belive that most BT devices have a range of about 10 meters, or about 30 feet.

- Aaron

[JvanEkris]

It really depends on the BT-class of both devices. Class 1 = 100 meters (=300 ft) Class 2 = 50 meters (= 150 ft) Class 3 = 10 meters (= 30 ft).The Loox 600 has a class 1 device on board, most other devices have a class 2 device.

Jaap

[cyclwestks]

I don't know what kind of range your looking for, but I bought a class 1 dongle & plugged it into the desktop downstairs & I can reach throughout my whole house & part of my backyard. I workout at home, & it's really nice being able to stream mp3's & have access to my entire library. The only thing I use the USB cable that came with my 1940 is to charge it, & work I a/s with infrared & at home bluetooth.

[aroma]

Class 1 = 100 meters (=300 ft) Class 2 = 50 meters (= 150 ft) Class 3 = 10 meters (= 30 ft).

Hmm.... I've always seen this as:
Class 1: 100m
Class 2: 10m
Class 3: 10cm

[Linux_Zen]

Yes, I have an 802.11b network already, and no BT dongle, but ... for some reason, I have the hunger for BT. Ya know? My house is sorta big (still in HS, dad a high-payed prof at University) and although I doubt I could get access anywhere in the house, but the areas on the same floor are rather close (my bedroom is only about 6m from the Desktop) and the kitchen is right above. I have been saving babysitting and lawnmowing and Science Fair prizes for the last year working up to this.

[Ripper014]

I think I am losing my mind.. lol... the polster above is correct the Hp1940 would be a class 2 device and the maximum expected range would be 50 feet with all things idea. As I posted about I was using a class 1 dongle but a class 2 unit (hp2210) so my effective range is the limitations of my pda (50 feet). My actual real range was closer to 25 feet... with a few walls in the way.

I myself believe you would be much happier with a wifi solution... the transfer rates are higher... and the range is significantly further... the only downside is that it consumes a bit more power. And the card will cost you a few more pennies than a dongle. But since you have an existing AP use it. You can always play with your bluetooth other ways... such as trading contacts with other Hp1940's...

[Linux_Zen]

Also, PalmOS > PPC transfer of contacts works (proven form my SJ20 to an X5 via IR).

Okay, I had been looking at this error on the officedepot.com thing that had the T|T3 (with bluetooth) at $200--but no cigar. Back to the search and, with that too-good-to-be-true deal out of the way...the X3i seems like the largest contender.