Cables Unlimited USB1520 Bluetooth, USB Bluetooth Adapter Review

My review is relative to using this device with Lego Mindstorms NXT. My review in no way applies to any other application of the device.

Here are my findings --
I purchased this device because it was in the compatibility listing on the Lego Mindstorms web site.
The version of the "Cables unlimited USB-1520" that I received came with the IVT BlueSoleil software, and driver. I was quite successful in getting the software loaded, and in fact could attach to the NXT with no problem. The problem was that the Lego MindStorms NXT software would not find the NXT through the Bluetooth device. I spent hours combing through forums on the topic trying everything to no avail. The general consensus seems to be that the IVT software simply won't work. Attempts at trying to load a so-called windows generic Bluetooth driver was useless. Question for Lego, "Why is the device in the compatibility list if it's software won't work?" Perhaps the older versions used a different driver. Try and search the Lego site for information and you will be amazed at how little helpful information there is on getting Bluetooth problems resolved. I also suffered many Blue screens of death while trying to uninstall, and reinstall this driver on my Win XP SP 2 machine a number of times before moving on to the solution.

I found a solution, but it requires a bit of patience and PC savvy. You must download and use Widcomm driver to make the device work with Lego Mindstorms NXT software. Your favorite search engine should provide you with what you need. There is a good site out there with detailed instructions and everything you need. This info is for those unfortunate as myself that are determined to make this work.

For the average person that wants to just plug and go, and download programs to their NXT, I can't recommend this device, it will waste your time and frustrate you beyond belief.

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Product Description:

USB-1520 Bluetooth adapter allows you to easily make wireless connections with other Bluetooth enabled devices, such as desktop or notebook computers, PDAs, scanners, printers and mobile phones. Simply plug this compact adapter into your computers USB port to enjoy the freedom and flexibility of Bluetooth wireless technology.


Main Features
Manufacturer: Cables Unlimited
Manufacturer Part Number: USB1520
Manufacturer Website Address: www.cablesunlimited.com
Package Type: Retail
Frequency Band/Bandwidth Details: 2.402 GHz 2.835 GHz Bluetooth 1.1 ISM Band
Transmission Speed: 723Kbps Maximum Bluetooth
Host Interface: USB 1.1
Standard Warranty: 1 Year(s)

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Bluetooth V2.0 USB 2.0 Adapter w/ 328Ft (100m) Range Review

Works well - wish the software was less intrusive.

Bluetooth V2.0 USB 2.0 Adapter w/ 328Ft (100m) Range

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Product Description:
Get more done with the power of Bluetooth! Transfer files between your computer and any Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as cell phones, PDAs, printers, headsets, and more. Create on-the-fly networks between two computers w/ Bluetooth. This simple USB adapter acts as an antenna for your computer, giving it Bluetooth capability.

This bluetooth dongle comes with a full version of BlueSoleil software and drivers. However, the software is not licensed to every type and model of hardware that is capable of using Bluetooth. If the software detects hardware that does not match the license keys it expects, then the software will impose a 5MB data transfer limitation. To overcome that limitation, users must purchase a different version of BlueSoleil software separately. We apologize for any inconvenience.

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IOGear Enhanced Data Rate Bluetooth USB Adapter with Range up to 66 ft. GBU221 (Grey) Review

Unlike *all* the other manufacturers out there who seem to have been blind-sided by the advent of Windows Vista, this Bluetooth transceiver works right out of the box.

Just be aware that their in-box installation documentation needs to be updated and download their latest drivers from their web site.(Trust me, I have done a lot of research, and none of the other manufacturers have so much as Vista drivers!)

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Product Description:
IOGEARs new USB Adapters with the with Bluetooth wireless technology+ EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) deliver faster wireless data transfer speed, improved bandwidth and draw less power than ever before. Now when you add Bluetooth wireless technology to your desktop or notebook PC or Mac, you will be able to wirelessly share documents, music and video at up to three times the speed of previous Bluetooth devices. You will also be able to wirelessly connect up to seven Bluetooth devices together and transfer even the largest files quickly and easily due to greater bandwidth. And our new adapters lower power consumption means longer battery life on your notebook computer. Just plug in an IOGEAR USB adapter with Bluetooth wireless technology and get your computer wirelessly sharing data with your Bluetooth-enabled cell phone, PDA, stereo headphones, printer and more.

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Cables Unlimited PCI to PCMCIA Adapter Card (IOC9000) Review

To my surprise, this really didn't take long to get working. I installed the card prior to installing Verizons Broadband software, but after a couple restarts and removing the broadband card and reinserting it, XP finally was able to recognize the card. Install your broadband providers software before attaching the adapter card to your mother board, and it should be a breeze. Wait for the computer to start up before inserting the PCMCIA card into the adapter.

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Product Description:
Our PCI to PCMCIA adapter provides desktop users with the flexibility and convenience to use standard PCMCIA cards. This adapter plugs directly into your desktop's PCI bus slot, allowing it to accept almost any 16/32-bit PCMCIA Card including; Wireless network cards, ATA Flash Cards, Bluetooth, USB and Firewire PCMCIA cards.

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Kensington K33902US Bluetooth USB Micro Adapter Review

The unit works well with any devices that I personally have paired it with ie. cell phones, headsets, stereo headsets, and another computer.

However, when the radio is on when you turn the computer on, there are 2 processes TOSOBEX.EX and SERVICES.EXE that will take up most if not all your CPU cycle. This slows down the computer very much. This happens even when there are no devices paired with the unit.

I have installed the unit on 2 other machines with the same results. So, somehow the Toshiba Stack that comes with this unit takes up CPU cycles when the bluetooth radio is turned on. This happens on my laptop and 2 desktops.

Once those services are on, there is no way to turn it off except to reboot the machine. However, PRIOR to rebooting the machine, TURN the bluetooth radio off first. That way when the computer is rebooted, those services will not be on.

The one workaround that I did was to RENAME the TOSOBEX.EXE file to something else like BAD_TOSOBEX.EXE_BAD. That way it won't get invoked when you turn the bluetooth radio on. That means that you WILL NOT have OBEX capability.

Kensington Techincal Support so far has been USELESS. But, I'm still trying to get to people there who actually know what they are talking about.

Also, on the cosmetic side, the unit has VERY SHARP corners. Be careful when you are handling your laptop (if you are using it on a laptop); I have been scratched multiple times by its corners.

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Product Description:
Now there´s a Bluetooth adapter so small it can stay in your USB port for instant connectivity anytime, anywhere. It's about the size of a penny! Use it to transfer files, synchronize contact and calendar information with your PDA or smart phone, print or fax, connect a keyboard or mouse and much more - wirelessly. PC Compatibility: (bold) PC or compatible computer running Windows XP or later, available USB 2.0 or 1.1 port. Works with most Bluetooth enabled devices (v1.1, v1.2 , v2.0 and the latest 2.1 devices). Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate - up to 3Mbps), Class 2

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New Mini Bluetooth Adapter USB Dongle Review

This is one little gem of a dongle! Why pay 20 or 30 dollars anywhere else for the same thing. If you need one, go get this one!

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Product Description:
Get more done with the power of Bluetooth! This tiny adapter is unobtrusive and won't be a nuisance sticking out of your laptop or PC. It's size is 2.2cm in total, and when plugged into your USB port, only about 1 cm of the adapter will stick out! Transfer files between your computer and any Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as cell phones, PDAs, printers, headsets, and more. Create on-the-fly networks between two computers w/ Bluetooth. This simple USB adapter acts as an antenna for your computer, giving it Bluetooth capability.

This bluetooth dongle comes with a full version of BlueSoleil software and drivers. However, the software is not licensed to every type and model of hardware that is capable of using Bluetooth. If the software detects hardware that does not match the license keys it expects, then the software will impose a 5MB data transfer limitation. To overcome that limitation, users must purchase a different version of BlueSoleil software separately. We apologize for any inconvenience.

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Motorola CFLN7621AA Universal Bluetooth USB Stereo PC Adapter Dongle D200 Review

Aggravation Free! just read the 1-2-step how to guide, connect and poof!, it works. just gotta get used to being this nice without a music player and being wired. i was just gonna try and use a dongle but this is painless and so much easier/better because i tried the other route, trust me from my experience.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Motorola CFLN7621AA Universal Bluetooth USB Stereo PC Adapter Dongle D200

Product Description:
Motorola Bluetooth Stereo PC Adapter D200 plugs into an USB port of a PC to add Bluetooth Stereo capabilities, and it lets the music in the PC go wireless. Wirelessly connects to Bluetooth Stereo headphones for music streaming freedom. Use the controls on Bluetooth Stereo headphones to remotely change music track and volume. Connect with a Bluetooth enabled headset, and enjoy wireless convenience on the Voice-over-IP calls that you get on your computer. Plug-and-Play makes initial PC setup easy, without software installation or configuration. Provides up to 330 ft (100m) extended Bluetooth range with other Bluetooth Class 1 music devices and 33ft (10m) with Bluetooth class 2 devices.

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