Bluetooth is Only Needed in Europe, says Dell

[Jonathon Watkins]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.techworld.com/news/index.cfm?fuseaction=displaynews&NewsID=1135' target='_blank'>http://www.techworld.com/news/index...ews&NewsID=1135</a><br /><br /></div>Following on from our post last week about <a href="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=220143&sid=513b8aaa2d76c36ea495d07b79b6b5e1"> Dell UK selling a Bluetooth enabled X3</a>, comes this news: “The Bluetooth version of Dell's Axim 3i PDA will only be available in Europe, not in the US. It is not a mistake but a policy, as Bluetooth is "not so broadly needed in the US", the company said. “ Hmmm, we’ve chatted about this issue before I seem to recall. :wink: <br /><br />"Nokia and Ericsson are driving Bluetooth heavily in Europe," said Kris Karppi, Dell EMEA product manager for Axim. "The market for in-vehicle GPS is also greater in Europe, he said, adding that most of these systems use Bluetooth antennae. There are also "a lot of proprietary solutions for cable replacement," he said, and a strong corporate customer base that could drive Bluetooth use. With all that, Dell had "no hesitation at all" in launching a Bluetooth version in Europe, said Karppi." So *that's* why we got the option to buy one in the UK!<br /><br />“The picture in the US is rather different, showing considerable hesitation and perhaps a U-turn or two. The company told IDG's PC World at the launch that it would "eventually" offer a Bluetooth device, but did not say where, only pointing out that Bluetooth demand is stronger in Europe.” <br /><br />So, there you go – it's official. North Americans don’t need Bluetooth while Euopeans can't get enough of it. What’s your take? :?:

[PJE]

[sarcasm on] Obviously Intel don't have a US Bluetooth implementation, and rather than go with another company Dell will stay in the dark ages... sounds familiar? [sarcasm off]

Bluetooth is only going to be popular when there are a number of low cost devices that are available using the standard. In the US there isn't the demand, but I feel this is a matter of education of the buying public (and some good products).

Dell, Introduce the Bluetooth X3i in the US and see what the demand is. You can always withdraw it in a few months time if it doesn't sell.

My 2c

[Ben Stark]

Sounds good to me!

Let BT die. Bring on UWB.

[chapter]

In the US our mobile phones and cellular providers are years behind the EU. The CDMA providers keep the US in the dark ages.

My SE T610(T-Mobile) and iPAQ 5450 are a great combination, and I !WOW! my friends and business associates when I am surfing in full color whereever I am with Thunderhawk.

Now, if HP could only get Bluetooth to work reliably onthe 5450.

[Mojo Jojo]

It is the ol' chicken and the egg problem.

No one wants to put out Bluetooth till there is a Bluetooth base. There will be no base until people put out Bluetooth products.

High demands for constant profit have turned companies off the thought of being leaders and instead focuses on being followers where there is less risk. It is a downward spiral.

[dorelse]

Nah, I don't need bluetooth in the Dell X3i. I don't need it in my Nokia 3650, or my bluetooth dongle, or my bluetooth access point. I don't need it in my T3 either. I never use them...apparently though crossing the pond I'll be magincally transformed into realizing the usefullness of bluetooth. Being in the US, I must not realize how they can be used.

I don't need bluetooth in a Dell X3i, because it didn't have bluetooth, I went out and bought a 4355. See how that works?

I'm glad Dell thinks they know their US consumer, as I never considered the the X3i b/c it lacked bluetooth.

*Sarcasm Intended*

[possmann]

I really like the concept of bluetooth - small, personal networks... I would hope that someone smart would create a bluetooth STEREO SYSTEM (geesh - just spent 4 hours setting up a stereo system two days ago for a friend - what a cabling mess) but for myslef, I find bluetooth indespensible for phone/PPC/earpiece connectivity. Who wants to deal with wires going from your PPC to your phone or from your phone to your headset/earpiece?

In that aspect Bluetooth has it's place - but I couldn't see creating a home network using bluetooth - for the "heavier" stuff I prefer WIFI.

We, in the US, seem to be VERY slow picking up on new technology and adapting it for mass use. Are we too stuck in our ways? What is up with our culture that makes us so dang slow to TRY something new out?

[rlobrecht]

&lt;sarcasm>Their logic is somewhat correct. The US doesn't need bluetooth in PDAs, because its almost impossible to get a bluetooth cell phone. Syncing over bluetooth is a big hassle, so there's really no reason for Bluetooth.&lt;/sarcasm>

Come on Verizon (Sprint, T-Mobile, whoever) give us some decent bluetooth phones!!!

[William Yeung]

Haha we in HK already got most great BT phones now (from Sony Ericsson, Nokia...) I can see BT is a great standard- I just hope someone to give us a 3G Bluetooth Phone (e.g. 7650, but still not usable in HK's sole 3G provider >.&lt;)

I think bluetooth is a great concept, the implementation still need a bit of work- especially the stability part, which have too much varies from device to device. If thats being standardized, I can imagine bluetooth car control (as oppose to RF being used, should use BT for remote car starter (check Nissan March if you dont know what I talk about...)) BT remote (no line of sight anymore!!) BT gamepad, BT .... I could imagine every cable disappearing :P

[guinness]

I don't think I've ever seen one person I know use BT, most of them rather have WiFi. It's like someone else said, who's going to use BT if the companies aren't really pushing the technology. Maybe BT will catch on in the US when the cellular companies catch up with Europe, in like 5 years. By then, something else will have popped up.

[dorelse]

Come on Verizon (Sprint, T-Mobile, whoever) give us some decent bluetooth phones!!!

I'm suprised you lumped T-Mobile in the mix. They currently have a couple, Nokia 3650, SE T610, and SE T68i (which is still available new at some T-Mobile stores).

Being in the USA, I don't have a good perspective, but I've always thought Bluetooth phones were only included in high end phones, is it standard on all phones in Europe?

[PJE]

Being in the USA, I don't have a good perspective, but I've always thought Bluetooth phones were only included in high end phones, is it standard on all phones in Europe?

Come on :wink: This site is not visited by your average user... Most people visiting this site wouldn't be seen dead without the latest and greatest cell phone... :wink:

Unless, like me their mobile phone is provided by their employer who doesn't see the need for mobile data access.

[Zack Mahdavi]

I'm a bluetooth addict. I have a 12" Powerbook and a G4 Powermac, both with bluetooth. Although I also have a WiFi network, sending files over bluetooth is generally more convenient. I have a bluetooth keyboard connected to my Powermac.. it feels like I'm typing on a wired keyboard.

I have a bluetooth cell phone that I use as a remote during powerpoint presentations with my laptop. I also use it as a proximity locator for my Powermac.. my music turns on when I enter the room and turns off when I leave, automatically.

I have a bluetooth headset that I use when I drive or during long phone conversations when I feel I need to walk around. And now, I have an iPaq 4155 with bluetooth that automatically connects every hour to my phone to retrieve the latest email.

I couldn't live without bluetooth. That's the reason why I didn't buy the X3i. Paying an extra $100 or so for bluetooth was well worth it for me!

[rubberdemon]

Is it not also the case that so many cell phones in N. America are CDMA, and for some unfathomable reason every CDMA phone comes without bluetooth (okay, I know there was one Sony/Ericcson model, but did it actually make it to market?)?

I'm stuck with CDMA here in BC as there ain't much GSM choice for good coverage, and would be happy to try BT headsets, etc but why oh why does nobody offer bluetooth for CDMA????

[jngold_me]

I don't think I've ever seen one person I know use BT, most of them rather have WiFi. It's like someone else said, who's going to use BT if the companies aren't really pushing the technology. Maybe BT will catch on in the US when the cellular companies catch up with Europe, in like 5 years. By then, something else will have popped up.


If Verizon had a phone that used BT, I would be using it. Also, I use my HP 4150 with my BT GPS reciever.

I use WiFi for syncing and web-access.

[dorelse]

Being in the USA, I don't have a good perspective, but I've always thought Bluetooth phones were only included in high end phones, is it standard on all phones in Europe?

Come on :wink: This site is not visited by your average user... Most people visiting this site wouldn't be seen dead without the latest and greatest cell phone... :wink:

Unless, like me their mobile phone is provided by their employer who doesn't see the need for mobile data access.

That's what I'm asking though...sure most of us probably have taken the time to find a bluetooth phone if we've felt it was a requirement for us...in Europe is it the defacto standard that all phones come with bluetooth?

[PJE]

That's what I'm asking though...sure most of us probably have taken the time to find a bluetooth phone if we've felt it was a requirement for us...in Europe is it the defacto standard that all phones come with bluetooth?

Almost all phones above a certain level of complexity have bluetooth. The low end devices, where the price is the most important factor, don't have bluetooth.

Europe has the advantage that GSM has control over the market, and therefore there is much more competition between the handset manufacturers to have better capabilities than their competition.

In the US this market pressure is removed by having virtual monopolies due to the size of the country and cost per user to build the infrastructure. In most areas of the US the main consideration is not what handset to use, but can I get a signal?

[jlp]

It's time marketing people start to think straight: first the Dell guy says that Sony-Ericsson and Nokia are pushing BT (offer) and then says there isn't enough demand in the US.

If there's no product there's no demand. Customers don't decide what manufacturers include in their products!!

Well if every concerned manufacturer start pushing BT products people will buy them, not the other way around, coz there's NO other way around (obviously enough people can't buy products that don't exist!!!).

[possmann]

actually I think its a big conspiricy issue here in the US - the companies that makes cables and IR are trying to prevent Bluetooth getting into the mainstream - :lol:

I can't wait for my cables to disappear around my desktop, my cell phone, my stereo/home entertainment system...

The Scott-e-vest would also be a think of the past then too.... hmmm

[Ekkie Tepsupornchai]

If Verizon had a phone that used BT, I would be using it.
It's surprising to me how many Verizon users I run into that ask me questions about my Nokia3650 and Bluetooth. I'm almost always asked how good T-Mo coverage is and when I tell them it's not as good as Verizon, they invariably grumble about how "Verizon does not offer any Bluetooth phones".

I've also recently switched my mother from Sprint to T-Mo and started specifically searching for another BT phone that I could get with the new service contract (my plan was to get a smaller BT-capable phone and give my mom my Nokia3650). How surprised (and disappointed) I was to see that my option was limited to ONE phone, SE T610 (I'm not interested in the T68 as I've already owned one in the past and was disappointed with reception issues).

[thanos255]

I have an iPaq 4155 with bluetooth that automatically connects every hour to my phone to retrieve the latest email.


I have the same combo....what program do you use to have it logon and check your email for your, download it, then disconnect and shut itself off?

Thanks
Thanos

[dorelse]

I agree that t-mobile doesn't give us a lot of choices..but we have a couple.

BTW..the t-mobile rep I talked to yesterday said they'd have the 6000 series in his store in June...so I'm hoping my need for bluetooth will diminish in June. He swore he'd seen the product roadmap for the next 6 months and the 6000 series was slated for release in June.

[Mbai2]

Wow, I think Dell really messed up on that one. When I was searching for a new PPC, it was a toss up between getting an X3i and an iPAQ 4150. Once I realized that the Dell had no BT, I bought the iPAQ with no regrets. I can surf the internet using Sprint's Vision network, running usually around 60-70kbps, by using my SE T608 as a bluetooth modem. I have a bluetooth car-kit in my car. No need to set the phone in a cradle, I just sit down with the phone in my pocket and start the car and the phone links to the car-kit automatically. I use SyncML to synchronize my phonebook with Outlook on my PC. My mouse and keyboard are both BT. I just couldn't go back to the hassle of using wires for all this anymore.

[Pat Logsdon]

At this point, if it doesn't have bluetooth, I won't buy it. I rely too much on BT GPS.

Unfortunately, I think Dell is being pretty smart about this. The way their supply line works, they can easily plug a BT x3 into their line-up if they notice an uptick in BT usage. I don't LIKE it, but I think they're watching their margins a little closer than HP is.

[xendula]

I can't talk for all of Europe, but in Germany many but not all phones have BT. I did a search on www.t-mobile.de, and out of their selection of 30 phones only 12 have BT. None of them are prepaid phones, which means that if you want more than just a simple phone, you need to sign up for a 24 months contract!!
Many people over here have the blue blinking light around their ear, and the more others see that, the more they want it, too. Not for the looks, but for the convenience.

I was in an electronics store today and some really non-geeky people were searching through the phones to see which ones had BT, which means that that might be one of the most important factor in their buying decision.
- - - - - - - -
I am using the Nokia N-gage with a BT headset and could never go back to wires - bought it in the US on www.EBgames.com (http://www.ebgames.com/ebx/groups/n-gage/default.asp) for 199 USD. It came with three games, and you can't possibly beat the price - for a BT tri-band smart phone that is UNLOCKED!! Just a tip for those GSM T-mobile/ATT/Cingular/Nextel users out there.

Oh and zkmusa, you're my IDOL!!

[freitasm]

I really like the concept of bluetooth - small, personal networks... I would hope that someone smart would create a bluetooth STEREO SYSTEM (geesh - just spent 4 hours setting up a stereo system two days ago for a friend - what a cabling mess) but for myslef, I find bluetooth indespensible for phone/PPC/earpiece connectivity. Who wants to deal with wires going from your PPC to your phone or from your phone to your headset/earpiece?

8) I know that at least one company contacted me to tell me that there'll be a couple of hi-fi Bluetooth announcements during the CeBIT in... Germany, this year 8)

Hmmm. I guess the US will miss that too...

[Wiggin]

“The picture in the US is rather different, showing considerable hesitation and perhaps a U-turn or two. The company told IDG's PC World at the launch that it would "eventually" offer a Bluetooth device, but did not say where, only pointing out that Bluetooth demand is stronger in Europe.”

So, there you go – it’s official. North Americans don’t need Bluetooth while Euopeans can’t get eounough of it. What’s your take? :?:

Easy there JW, you're getting a bit ahead of yourself! ... re-read the article/your post ... Dell is not saying NA has no need for BT (don't you hate double negatives?!).
If Dell was to say something like that, I would bet that someone in Dell Mkting and/or Prod Dev would be on the hot seat and have a LOT to answer for. Dell merely stated that the demand for BT is higher in Europe, and that they will wait a little longer before offering a BT X3 in the U.S.

BT is here, and it is here to stay for a while, in Europe, Asia, AND in North America. When a better comm standard is developed to replace BT, it will phase out like every other tech idea that is left behind in the relentless march of Technical Advancement.

Dell is a pretty savy (and extremely successful) company... let's give them credit where credit is due, shall we? :way to go:

Now, I have to go check today's stock prices with my 4150 and SE T610 via BT!... Cheers! :mrgreen:

[Janak Parekh]

In the US our mobile phones and cellular providers are years behind the EU. The CDMA providers keep the US in the dark ages.
The irony is, only in BT. I was talking to Jonathon the other day about wireless data rates, and $19.99 (T-Mobile) for unlimited GPRS is apparently unheard of in Europe. (Even $44.95, for Verizon and their near-100kbps 1xRTT, is surprising.) So we're ahead in that regard.

Anyway, the problem is that here, the carriers have huge say over which phones are used on their network. There's hope, though: Verizon may be testing a Bluetooth phone (http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=24476) -- the Motorola V710.

--janak

[denivan]

In the US our mobile phones and cellular providers are years behind the EU. The CDMA providers keep the US in the dark ages.
The irony is, only in BT. I was talking to Jonathon the other day about wireless data rates, and $19.99 (T-Mobile) for unlimited GPRS is apparently unheard of in Europe. (Even $44.95, for Verizon and their near-100kbps 1xRTT, is surprising.) So we're ahead in that regard.


True, phones themself are 'ahead' when it comes to features, but data plans are more costly. I pay about 20 USD / month for 10 Mb GPRS traffic ! Every aditional Mb of traffic kosts 3 USD 8O

So, sometimes I envy you americans and sometimes I don't ;-)

[disconnected]

So far, it seems that Sprint has no idea how to price their service. I'd read that you couldn't get unlimited vision with the T608, but I still have it, and I've read that even people without prior unlimited vision plans have been able to get it. I don't know if they're actively monitoring usage or not. I've had my plan for a couple of years, I think, and it's 85.00 a month for two phones, 2,000 anytime minutes (nationwide), and unlimited vision. I think for another 10.00 a month I could add unlimited analog roam, but I don't really need it.

[TypeMRT]

Why not just make it an option. Unless there is a great cost difference in shipping (from Taiwan to US vs. Europe) why not just give us the choice. Maybe people in the US actually buy it and BT could gain momentum in corporate space :wink:

[James Fee]

Well beyond the issue about BT Mobile Phones, this story isn't "official" and from what I've read the BT X3 will still be released in the U.S.

[John Blasdell]

I inquired about Bluetooth-equipped phones at Verizon Wireless (VZW is my carrier) and was told, "Only a very few people know what Bluetooth is and would ever use it. We have no current plans for something like that that no one would want." I replied that over one million Bluetooth-equipped devices are now sold every week, mostly in Europe, but not in the USA, where companies are attempting to sell us last-generation, outdated products. One million units a week is mainstream, not niche. How sad. I'm buying a T610 and T-Mobile data plan. Now we have this Dell blunder. Of course the answer is obvious, and sales will send Dell a message -- buy a 4150!

[surur]

In the US our mobile phones and cellular providers are years behind the EU. The CDMA providers keep the US in the dark ages.
The irony is, only in BT. I was talking to Jonathon the other day about wireless data rates, and $19.99 (T-Mobile) for unlimited GPRS is apparently unheard of in Europe. (Even $44.95, for Verizon and their near-100kbps 1xRTT, is surprising.) So we're ahead in that regard.

Anyway, the problem is that here, the carriers have huge say over which phones are used on their network. There's hope, though: Verizon may be testing a Bluetooth phone (http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=24476) -- the Motorola V710.

--janak

I actually think the only reason they have unlimited plans is that you need a special cable to use your phone as a modem without bluetooth. With bluetooth its trivial to download gigabytes per day, which would obviously overload their network. If they do release a bluetooth phone it will probably not be bundled with an unlimited data plan.

So their is method in their madness. Just like the Cable and DSL people, they advertise unlimited, but don really want people to use it. In that way at least Europe is more honest, but when data becomes a big part of the decision making process for more people, hopefully competition will drive the prices down.

Surur

[Zack Mahdavi]

I have an iPaq 4155 with bluetooth that automatically connects every hour to my phone to retrieve the latest email.


I have the same combo....what program do you use to have it logon and check your email for your, download it, then disconnect and shut itself off?

Thanos, I use the standard Inbox app to do that. In the Accounts menu in Inbox, double tap an email account... Keep tapping Next until the last menu, then select options. Just check the box and make sure you select a connection: mine's "The Internet". That's it. Just make sure your bluetooth dial-up connection is set to supply the "The Internet" connection.

[peterg]

Geez, and here I though Canada was behind the US. It would appear in some cases not. I've had a Bluetooth enable phone, T68i, for over a year and I am now on my second Bluettooth enabled Pocket PC (iPaq 3650 and now Dell Axim X5 Advanced).

I also have 2 Bluetooth dongles (two separate computers) connected to each computer at home, a bluetooth keyboard and mouse combo as well as a Bluetooth Headset (Jabra) for my phone.

Maybe, it's just that people don't understand what Bluetooth is about yet?

[lipinski77]

I know the bluetooth is a deciding factor for my purchase. I am looking to get a PDA and phone combo that will allow for wireless email/web access. I have looked at the dell (a friend purchased one) and thought it was a good little machine. The fact that it did not have bluetooth immediately turned me of. :cry: I am definitely getting a 2200 or 4100 series that already has it. :D

I also wish there were more cell phone choices. If you bring them, we will use them. :soapbox: Come one and give the consumers what they want.

Down with cables. :evil:

[Janak Parekh]

I actually think the only reason they have unlimited plans is that you need a special cable to use your phone as a modem without bluetooth.
Incorrect. T-Mobile sells unlimited GPRS as an add-on to a voice plan for $19.95, and sells several Bluetooth phones, and makes no requirements as to what phone you use with the unlimited GPRS. Being GSM, you can also swap the SIM into the phone of your choice, so long as it supports 1900MHz (for example, the i-Mate/XDA II or the upcoming Moto MPx).

Even more amazing, if you want just port 80, 110, and 25, you can get it for free from T-Mobile nowadays. 8O

Verizon, on the other hand, will probably do as you suggest if they ever release a BT phone. They seem very shortsighted. :|

--janak

[David Prahl]

HOLD THE PHONE!

According to Aximsite.com, "...my PR Rep at Dell assured me that Dell still intends to release a US model by Mid-Year".

Well, which one is it, Dell?

[surur]

I actually think the only reason they have unlimited plans is that you need a special cable to use your phone as a modem without bluetooth.
Incorrect. T-Mobile sells unlimited GPRS as an add-on to a voice plan for $19.95, and sells several Bluetooth phones, and makes no requirements as to what phone you use with the unlimited GPRS. Being GSM, you can also swap the SIM into the phone of your choice, so long as it supports 1900MHz (for example, the i-Mate/XDA II or the upcoming Moto MPx).

Even more amazing, if you want just port 80, 110, and 25, you can get it for free from T-Mobile nowadays. 8O

--janak

Maybe its related to their european origins :wink: Anyways, I cant wait for a plan like that to come over here. You can get unlimited (which apparently for Orange (http://www.orange.co.uk/business/small/products/solutions/gprs_bundles.html) means 100 Mb only) for £53, which is, co-incidental enough around $99 at the current exchange rate. Looks like prices still have a long way to fall :(

Surur

[ctmagnus]

As far as my purchases go, if it doesn't have Bluetooth, I dont't buy it. The exception to this rule is food and clothes, but I'm expecting (hoping) that the latter will change in the near future.

[jimtravis]

I used to think Bluetooth was insignificant, WiFi was the way to go. I am still a big Wi-Fi fan and WiFi is still my first conncectivity choice because of the speed. However, once I am over 300 feet from my Airport base station or a hotspot, Bluetooth is great. I have the $19.95 unlimited GPRS T-Mobile package with a SE 610 phone and I become more of a bluetooth fan each time I use it. It is nice to check your email, movie start times or your favorite website while riding the trolley or bus, waiting for your meal to arrive in a restaurant or waiting in line for an event, etc.

I also like to transfer data between my PDA's using bluetooth. No need for line of sight infrared concerns and, if the receiving PDA is set in wake-up mode, you don't have to be concerned whether the receiving PDA is on.

I have become such a fan of bluetooth that I added a bluetooth access point to my home Wi-Fi network.

I will not buy a medium or high end Palm OS or PPC PDA unless Bluetooth is built-in or at least an available option.

Like Mikey in the cereal advertisement, try it you may like it!!!!

[Jonathon Watkins]

So, there you go – it’s official. North Americans don’t need Bluetooth while Euopeans can’t get eounough of it. What’s your take? :?:

Easy there JW, you're getting a bit ahead of yourself! ... re-read the article/your post ... Dell is not saying NA has no need for BT (don't you hate double negatives?!).

Indeed. :D I was stirring the pot to see what emerged. :idea: :wink:

[spikedrabbit]

I personally would love to use Bluetooth, If not just to play with. But like some of you said, if there are no devices for it, then why bother? And I was interested in doing some Bluejacking (http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=20213&) :splat:

[Sven Johannsen]

I think the chicken and the egg comment is about as clear as it gets. We don't push the virtues of BT so the demand is not there, so the vendor perception is it is not wanted. Many here seem to glom on to the data capabilities, but I think the real push on the phone side should be the wireless headset/car set. I had a BT headset and that was neat, so I gt an Anycom BT car set, which was better but still took a little more futzing than I wanted. When I got my new car however I had a BT set installed. Now that is brilliant. Just as another poster said, I get in my car, turn it on, and the phone and set connect. Ready to go. I push one button on the dash and it mutes my radio and lets me say who to call from my list or I can dial by saying numbers. That is the killer app for BT as far as phones go for the masses. There aren't that many folks with phones that want or need web access, comparitively. But those that need a handsfree set...especially in a car...Some states even require it. Doesn't have to be wireless, but but once you've gone lack (of wires), you'll never go back.

Not to say I don't appreciate my BT wireless Web access, syncing, micro-car, etc.

Just as a note, go take a look at T-Mobile's site. The description and feature list on the T-610 doesn't even mention BT. Does that give you an idea about whether the vendor thinks it is a selling point or not? They list the camera, multiphonic ringtones and games by golly.

[Philip Colmer]

My first reaction was to blame Ed - his BT negativity has clearly reached Dell :lol:

However, if a report on InfoSync (http://www.infosyncworld.com/news/n/4654.html) is correct, the BT-enabled X3i does now have FCC approval so it looks like it will make an appearance in the US after all.

Just gotta have a bit more patience :D

--Philip

[Stik]

Chalk this up ( non-existent CDMA bluetooth phones ) to the ' Qualcomm Monoculture! ' :devilboy:

This article is almost 2 years old, but it seems the sands of change in this for instance have turned into concrete.

"Phones here are years behind the rest of the world: have you tried buying a Bluetooth-enabled CDMA 1X phone? You can't. Because there isn't one."

http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/39/27975.html

[orol]

actually there are some flat rate plans here in europe
either real flat or semi flat, (when you get 1000MB of gprs data)

it's priced from $20-50 depends on provider

btw if anyone is interested in BT phone for GSM he can buy it over ebay ..

there are a couple of BT phones out there

btw. in europe we have got our first bluetooth enabled phone 4 years ago

I personally have nokia 6310i almost 2 years and this phone is considered very very old one ..

and in europe there are SO many BT enabled phones

nokia 6310/6310i, 8910/8910i, 6800, 6810, 6820, 7650, 3650, 3660, 6600, n-gage

ericsson, R520, T39, T36, T68/T68i, T610/T630, P800, P900, Z600

philips 820, 825, 835

siemens S55, SX ..

motorola V500,V600

just to name a few (almost 30 phones) ... not including those thar were just announced ! you can buy all phones I mentioned above you
some are older some are newer, but you have got the choice ..

[Janak Parekh]

Chalk this up ( non-existent CDMA bluetooth phones ) to the ' Qualcomm Monoculture! ' :devilboy:
While this may have been true two years ago, it hasn't been the case for over a year. From a PR mid-last year...

"QUALCOMM is currently shipping in volume production integrated Bluetooth baseband technology on various 3G CDMA-enabled MSM5xxx and MSM6xxx family of chipset solutions. These highly integrated MSMs, when combined with Broadcom Bluetooth RF solutions such as the BCM2002 and follow-on devices, provide the best available system solution for Bluetooth in mobile devices. Broadcom’s BCM2002 is shipping in production volumes."

Qualcomm has generally been quite pro-Bluetooth, and that's not the problem. Instead, the carriers have largely been reluctant to adopt BT, and in one case (Sprint) specifically rejected deploying SE's T608 with BT until tons of consumers protested. They've finally relented, and that's just one example of a BT phone that has 1xRTT. The Moto v710, approved by the FCC for Verizon, is another BT phone with 1xRTT. There have been a few other units, as well. Mind you, whether or not Verizon ever deploys the v710 is another matter entirely. :roll:

--janak

[Janak Parekh]

actually there are some flat rate plans here in europe
either real flat or semi flat, (when you get 1000MB of gprs data)
Thanks. Where in Europe is this? As far as I know, you can't get these deals in the UK.

--janak

[dmy]

I'm sure someone else has already said this, but to Paraphrase the obnoxious teenager....

Dude! I'm not getting a DELL!!!!!


Cheers,
D.

[Stik]

Qualcomm has generally been quite pro-Bluetooth, and that's not the problem. Instead, the carriers have largely been reluctant to adopt BT

--janak

Janak, agreed. I was attempting to stir the pot a little myself. :wink:

Watching CDMA carriers adopt bluetooth has been the equivalant of watching glacial flow in Alaska over the last few years. :roll:

I can't blame Dell on their decision. IMO, their just meeting what the market ( whether European or N. American ) demands.

The initial adaption of Bluetooth was to be driven by two devices, Bluetooth enabled PDA's and Bluetooth enabled phones. When one of those devices is taken out of the equation, well, one can see why Bluetooth thrives in Europe and not in the U.S. Lack of Bluetooth phones.

Hopefully that will change soon.

[verdimisa]

the office I work for did try out some blue tooth items and found that a boardroom full of people using blue tooth caused some overlapping and security issues. Thats one of the draw backs that I think some people are looking at.