USB-based IrDA for $9.99 USD

[Jason Dunn]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.time168.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=195' target='_blank'>http://www.time168.com/index.php?ma...products_id=195</a><br /><br /></div>Infrared is dead for me, I haven't used it in years, but I know that some of you still like it - but with more and more notebooks not coming with IrDA ports, and it being practically non-existent on desktops, this USB-based IrDA port looks like a handy and simple way to add IrDA to your laptop or desktop.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/195.jpg" /><br /><br />Features include:<br /><br />• Easily enable IrDA function on PC through USB port<br />• USB Plug and Play convenience<br />• Fully compatible with IrDA 1.1 and USB 1.1 specification<br />• Compatible with FIR 4Mbps, MIR, SIR and ASK 56kbps<br />• No power is required for adapter<br />• Support Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows 2000 and Windowss XP

[Shuushin]

This would have been pretty handy back when I was using Palm PDA's - I seemed to have many problems when I would sync via USB.

Using the infrared on my notebook would do the trick, and when I switched to a desktop that was pretty much the end of my Palm days.

PPC all the way (conduits smonduits).

[Jonathon Watkins]

This would have been pretty handy back when I was .....

Same here. This would have really come in handy a few years back, but now I'm soon jumping on the Bluetooth bandwagon, so this it just a bit too late. Nice idea , shame about the timing. :)

[cribbagewiz]

USB Irda adapters have been around for a while now. They weren't always this cheap, granted, but hey have been there.

When I moved to a Shuttle XPC box, a USB Irda adapter was one of he first accessories I got for it. I use it with my Axim and I use it with my Nokia 6200. Nothing I have today uses Bluetooth, so I will continue to use Infrared until Bluetooth is embedded in everything I use. I don't plan on buying a new phone soon, nor a PDA, so Irda is just fine by me.

I'm also not aware that Irda has been disappearing from notebooks. Not a trend I have seen as of yet. Maybe on Dells or Acers since they are cost-oriented and crappy, but not any good notebooks.

[GoldKey]

Pretty cheap. Although $6 shipping is a downer. But still cheaper than you could get anywhere else. Would be good for getting pictures off of my phone. Right now, I have to beam to my Axim and then copy to CF.

[jimski]

Now that's a good idea, but I would agree just a bit late. I could see installing this on one of my desktop's front panel USB ports though. I don't sync with my desktop (laptop only) but occasionally have a need to move something from my PPC to this machine.


I'm also not aware that Irda has been disappearing from notebooks. Not a trend I have seen as of yet. Maybe on Dells or Acers since they are cost-oriented and crappy, but not any good notebooks.

Actually my two previous Micron (MPC) laptops did not have an IrDA port, but my current laptop (about 3 months old) does. These were by no means crappy machines, as they were powerhouse desktop replacements going about $3K each.

[huangzhinong]

Most new laptop has no irDA any more, just as floppy drive. Obsolete tech.

[MkH]

Can you use something like this to make an all-in-one printer/copier/fax/scanner device become IrDA enabled or does the device have to have an OS on it? :?:

[Lex]

On my IBM Thinkpad (2 years old) infra-red only sends to the PPC it will not receive. The Help(less) desk says it's an XP problem.

[Shuushin]

On my IBM Thinkpad (2 years old) infra-red only sends to the PPC it will not receive. The Help(less) desk says it's an XP problem.

Most likely XP - my thinkpad was flawless on send and receive under Win2K (T20; same vintage)

[Paragon]

I used one of these recently and for several weeks. My laptop does not have IrDA. I have an Audiovox PPC5050 Phone Edition, and the wireless modem only works for IrDA or serial. It worked great for wireless internet. However Bluetooth works much better and I have since gone back to a GSM phone with Bluetooth.

Dave

[cmonkey]

I bought one of these for free after mailin rebates a few months ago. It works decently well, but since the range is so short, I can't see any reason to use it to sync with a Pocket PC. I ended up giving it to my friend who uses it to communicate with his insulin pump.

[Underwater Mike]

Bluetooth dongles won't work this way, so I'd be surprised if IrDA would do it. Please post back if you find out otherwise.

Can you use something like this to make an all-in-one printer/copier/fax/scanner device become IrDA enabled or does the device have to have an OS on it? :?:

[Lex]

Most likely XP - my thinkpad was flawless on send and receive under Win2K (T20; same vintage)

So what good is this unit being advertised? One-way infra-red on XP computers? I admit I may be missing something.

[daS]

On my IBM Thinkpad (2 years old) infra-red only sends to the PPC it will not receive. The Help(less) desk says it's an XP problem.

Most likely XP - my thinkpad was flawless on send and receive under Win2K (T20; same vintage)
I don't believe it. More likely, a faulty driver from IBM. :roll:

My Tablet PC has an IrDA port and it works fine (both ways) with the Pocket PC. I even use it for ActiveStink (sic).

[lsbeller]

My NEC tablet PC did not come with IRda so I bought ( free after MIR) this same dongle to communicate with my PocketJet portable printer and to synch with my smart phone. If has worked flawlessly and plug-and-played without issue the first time I used it.

This is more than I cay say for the 2 bluetooth dongles that I purchased!

[MikeUnwired]

Bluetooth dongles won't work this way, so I'd be surprised if IrDA would do it.

My Toshiba P25-S607 monster media center laptop came with TWO IR ports -- one for the media center remote control and one for data transfer. I've actually used the IR port to sync my HP 2215 just because I could -- to see what would happen. It's not like I was launching nuclear missles or anything! :robot:

Don't underestimate the value of having all your bases covered. You never know when something like this little dongle will come in pretty handy.

[Sheena]

I used one of these recently and for several weeks. My laptop does not have IrDA. I have an Audiovox PPC5050 Phone Edition, and the wireless modem only works for IrDA or serial. It worked great for wireless internet. However Bluetooth works much better and I have since gone back to a GSM phone with Bluetooth.
Dave
Hey, Dave, how does that work for the internet access? I was about to set up a wireless network at home just to be able to surf the net from my iPaq without leaving the sofa! I know, I know, don't laugh! :oops:
Anyway, if I can use this instead, I'll buy it. The computer is 20 feet away tops.

Thanks!

Rosie

[minimage]

While it's true that my ViewSonic V1250 TabletPC has no built-in IR (much to my dismay), I'm hoping IR isn't dead, yet. I've got USB-to-IrDA adapters on my work PC and in my backpack for use with my TPC. It should be obvious that I have no fear of embracing cool technology, but nothing I own has BlueTooth. It just worked out that way. I started buying the adapters for synching my PDAs (I love my light-up cradle, but my backpacks were getting too large!), but I also use it for synching my latest cell phone. Anyway, I'm not too worried, as the Dell Latitude D800 and D505 still have infrared, even if the D100L doesn't. I didn't check the Inspirons or any other manufacturers.