Belkin F8T001 Bluetooth/usb Adapter, Desktop

From the Manufacturer
Add up to seven devices enabled with Bluetooth v1.1 technology to an existing USB PC or notebook to wirelessly print, synchronize your PDA information, and create dial-up connections through a mobile phone. The device allows the transfer of data from up to 10 meters away and has built-in security using 128-bit encryption and authentication. Supports Microsoft Windows 98 SE, Me, 2000, and XP, and is compatible with Mac OS S v10.2 and higher. The Mac driver is supplied by Apple.

Product Description:
Add Bluetooth technology to your existing USB PC or notebook with this Bluetooth USB adapter. It lets you work with all devices enabled with Bluetooth v1.1 technology. From up to 100 meters away you can effortlessly transfer data to other Bluetooth devices such as computers, PDAs, scanners, printers, and even mobile phones.

Belkin F8T001 Bluetooth/usb Adapter, Desktop

Average customer rating:

Difficult to install but the Tech Support came through
Tricky setup with XP & SP2
Software issues.
Understanding Windows Service Pack 2 etal.
Works fine

Belkin F8T001 Bluetooth/usb Adapter, Desktop

Manufacturer: Belkin Components
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Targus PAUH212U 7 Port USB 2.0 Hub
Targus PAUH217U 4 Port Ultra Mini USB 2.0 Hub

Product Features:

Allows you to work at distances of up to 100 meters with 0 to 20 dBm output power
Built-in security uses 128-bit encryption and authentication
Supports Microsoft Windows 98 SE, Me, 2000, and XP
Compatible with Mac OS S v10.2 and higher

ASIN: B00006HYM3

Product Description

BLUETOOTH/USB ADAPTER, DESKTOPS and NOTEBOOKS MODEL- F8T001 VENDOR- BELKIN COMPONENTS FEATURES- Bluetooth USB Adapter The Bluetooth USB Adapter adds Bluetooth technology to your existing USB PC or notebook to let it work with all devices enabled with Bluetooth v1.1 technology. Wirelessly print, synchronize your PDA information, and create dial-up connections through a mobile phone. From up to 100 meters away you can effortlessly transfer data to other Bluetooth devices such as desktop or notebook computers, PDAs, scanners, printers, and even mobile phones-wirelessly. Connect with up to seven other Bluetooth devices at a time. * Adds Bluetooth connection capability to your USB desktop computer. * Works with any device enabled with Bluetooth v1.1 technology. * Provides effortless wireless communication among computing devices and peripherals through user-friendly software. * Includes 5 Ft. USB Extension Cable for convenient access to your USB port. * Supports Microsoft Windows 98 SE, Me, 2000, and XP. * Offers built-in security using 128-bit encryption and authentication, allowing you to securely access any Bluetooth device without wires. * Installs easily with Plug-and-Play convenience. * Allows you to work at distances of up to 100 meters with 0 to 20 dBm output power. (100m range is dependent upon environment, number of users, and other wireless devices within immediate proximity). * Compatible with Mac OS X v10.2 and higher (Mac OS X driver and software provided by Apple). MANUFACTURER WARRANTY:andnbsp;andnbsp;1 YEAR

Customer Reviews:

Difficult to install but the Tech Support came through.......2006-09-02

The installation process was very difficult in the beginning. After four attempts, I was unable to get the Bluetooth adapter to work at all. It continued to clash with Microsoft's driver. And even after I disabled and uninstalled the Microsoft Bluetooth driver, my Belkin adapter failed to function. I finally decided to call Belkin's Tech Support. The right Tech Support department was not easy to find. After 20 minutes traveling through different layers of bureaucracy, I was talking to a human being. The Tech Support gentleman work on the installation process with me and 30 minutes later the Bluetooth Adapter was working properly. My suggestion to anyone who wants to buy this product is to call Belkin Tech Support FIRST- BEFORE the installation (Belkin is not going to happy about this) and let them walk you through the installation. Their number is 800-2-belkin.

Tricky setup with XP & SP2.......2005-09-21

Expect many issues when installing the Belkin software onto a Win XP, service pack 2 OS. The Microsoft enumerator wants to take over and will continue to haunt you unless it is disabled and stopped in admin-tools/services. Expect many reboots. Belkin has come out with a revised version 2 with a different set of problems, just as many reboots. Be ready to call Belkin tech support. Works great once it is installed.

Software issues........2005-07-31

I had the same problem installing the software as some of you. "Invalid licence...etc.etc." The thing is, this bluetooth dongle works with my SP2. In fact when I plug it in, XP finds it, installs its drivers and it works fine. I can connect it to my Palm Tungsten E2 and sync with no worries. However, I wanted to see about surfing the net with it, and from what I have read online, one way to share an internet connection is with this Belkin/Widcomm software.

Bottom line: It works, but is not worth the trouble to me to waste time trying to share an internet connection. I use it to sync with my palm so I don't have to plug it in and nothing else.

Understanding Windows Service Pack 2 etal........2005-07-29

Regarding previous reviews. Most installation problems are related to SP2. Which came out after the drivers were written. Simply install the new software and ignore errors. Reboot. Go to the device manager and remove the Windows Bluetooth Device. Make sure you actually have the Belkin drivers installed. If necessary, select update drivers and tell it to install the belkin drivers.

Regarding range. The prior reviewer probably was trying to connect to another BT device with a 10 meter range. Both devices have to be 100 meter to achieve the expanded range.

I've had a blast with mine. I can connect my computer to my PDA and my phone. Win98 dialup is more reliable than XP dialup. I'm still looking at those issues.

Works fine.......2005-06-11

I bought this adapter after having trouble with a similar product from Linksys. The Belkin adapter has not given me any problems. If you are running Windows XP Service Pack 2, I don't recommend installing the software that came with the adapter. I just plugged in the adapter and it worked fine. The range is also very good in my house.

Electronics:

Electronics

Electronics