Bluetooth basics

Bluetooth headsets, which offer a convenient and user-friendly wireless connection between a headset and a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone, are now an "in" feature for frequent gabbers. To help you get familiar with Bluetooth, here's an overview of the technology and products:

Bluetooth headsets have become must-have accessories for cell phone fanatics. The benefits of these hands-free, wireless devices are obvious, particularly in the wake of state and local laws that require the use of a headset while driving. And just as the number of headsets has exploded, the number of Bluetooth cell phones has increased as well. Integrated Bluetooth is now present in a broad range of cell phones--from high-end smart phones to low-end functional models. Of course, cell phone Bluetooth usage is not limited to just headsets--you can also use Bluetooth to stream music wirelessly, connect to the Web, transfer files, and more.

Bluetooth basics
In Bluetooth technology, two devices communicate with each other over low-frequency radio waves in the 2.4GHz range. No cables or wires are needed, and the only requirement is that both devices be Bluetooth compatible. Unlike infrared (IR) ports, the connected devices don't need to be in direct line of sight, but they do need to be relatively close to each other. And like a wireless Infrared transfer, Bluetooth doesn't cost anything beyond the initial investment in the devices.

Pairing up
The process of connecting devices via Bluetooth starts with pairing , a procedure wherein a Bluetooth-enabled phone and another Bluetooth device search for and recognize each other. Once your connection is made and secured via a PIN (personal identification number), the two devices will "talk" to each other and exchange information. You can connect as many as seven devices simultaneously at speeds of 500Kbps and higher. Bluetooth does have limitations, however. Its range is limited to 30 feet, which makes it good for connecting a handful of devices but not appropriate for an entire network of computers--you're better off with Wi-Fi for a network.