Iogear launches Bluetooth 2.0+EDR adapters

Bluetooth USB dongles are so common these days that we're sure they'll soon be available solely in the much-coveted free-after-rebate price range. However, adapters that can boost data rates by using both the Bluetooth 2.0 standard and Extended Data Rate are much harder to come by. So, we're glad to see Iogear joining this not-yet-crowded field with two new adapters, both of which offer Bluetooth 2.0+EDR. A Class 1 version, with a transmission range of up to 330 feet, will go for $50, and a Class 2 adapter, with a range of 66 feet, is about $40. Both are Mac and PC-compatible, and both are, of course, backwards-compatible with Bluetooth 1.1 and 1.2 devices, so you don't have to toss that old cellphone or headset if you pick up one of these.

[Daniel @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

You know what someone should make? A cable to attach an ipod dock connector to one of these - boom, bluetooth enabled ipod. Send everything to it via obex ... Or, even better, a connector to a USB wifi plug ...

(if this doesn't work for some obvious reason, then please let me know)

[John Laur @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

What I would rather see is the mac getting some of these great bluetooth profiles that PC users have been accustomed to for sometime.

The mac basically supports bluetooth serial ports, OBEX, DUN on devices, sync and headsets.

How about a headset profile to use your powerbook as a speakerphone; how about A2DP to use your notebook as speakers for your phone or use A2DP headsets? How about bluetooth network support or a DUN server to let your bluetooth PDA access the net through your computer?

[Navie @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

The only BT 2.0 device I know of is the Sony Ericsson HBH-610 headset. I need to see more devices support 2.0 before I buy the dongle.

[Tom O'Brien @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

Can they make, or do they make any bluetooth wireless headsets for mp3 players? Is this undoable because of loss of sound quality? Seems like a nuisance to walk around with an ipod or other device with wires running to your headset.

[Kaine260 @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

Yes there is one for mp3's as long as it has a headphone jack.. it is called Plantronics pulsar 590a.

[Steve @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

What exactly does Bluetooth 2.0 do? Just higher speeds/longer range?

[Kiteless @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

Yes, that is all fine and good, but does it support Windows XP Pro x64 Edition? I am hared pressed to find one that does. Yeah x64 comes with the standard Windows BT support, but it has like 2 profiles, and no hands free support, so I can use it in Vonage (if I had it) or something like Team Speak/Google Talk/Y! Messenger.