e740 for $229 / Bluetooth question

[bradolson]

I noticed that Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0000658CE/ref%3Dnosim/10108121979-20/102-7413845-7285705) lowered the price of the e740 to $229 shipped after rebate. The question I have it that under the description, it says integrated WiFi and Bluetooth. I don't remember the e740 having Bluetooth. Am I wrong or is Amazon?

Brad

[freitasm]

I know the E750 in Europe and Australia/NZ can have either wi-fi or Bluetooth. Not sure both in the same unit... Perhaps the E740 is different?

[Pat Logsdon]

I'm 99.9% sure it has integrated WiFi (which I've heard has poor range and poor performance), and is "Bluetooth Ready", which is market-speak for "It doesn't come with Bluetooth, nor do we give you any drivers for it, but you can buy a CF Bluetooth card." :mrgreen:

Personally, I wouldn't buy that unit if they were selling it for $100...

[JohnnyFlash]

I had an e-740 for about a year, which I just gave to my wife a month ago when I upgraded to the e-755.

I have a wireless network at home, and there's one in the office building where I work. I haven't had a single issue with range on the e-740. The network in my building doesn't even belong to our company. It's actually located at the other end of the building, and one floor up, and I still have no problem using it. (this is a range of about 200 feet.)

I also used to use the wi-fi connection at various Starbucks around town, and it always worked flawlessly.

[freitasm]

So, Blammage, since you have first hand experience is it wi-fi only then?

[Janak Parekh]

I know the E750 in Europe and Australia/NZ can have either wi-fi or Bluetooth. Not sure both in the same unit... Perhaps the E740 is different?
The e740 is the same. There were three versions of the e740: one with WiFi, one with BT, and one with no wireless at all. No e740 had both. I'm reasonably sure the Amazon one would be the Wi-Fi edition... most US units were. You might want to contact them if it still lists it as such, though, and get a clarification.

--janak

[JohnnyFlash]

So, Blammage, since you have first hand experience is it wi-fi only then?

Yes, in the US. The bluetooth edition was intended for Europe only. That's why when you see them for sale in the US, they are around $750 (USD exchange rate).