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IOGEAR's Bluetooth to USB Adapter for Macintosh
My G5 doesn't have BlueTooth built-in, which really didn't bother me all that much for the last one-and-a-half years or so. However, things have changed and now I needed it badly. Apple's Web-Site doesn't make a secret about which USB Adapter you are suppose to get, http://www.apple.com/bluetooth/ heavily promotes the D-Link DBT-120 USB Bluetooth Adapter, to be had for $39.95 from the Apple Store or DLink's Web site.
I was looking around for a while and when including shipping and tax, I counldn't find it for less then about $40.



To cut this story short, I decided to get the IOGEAR GBU211, class 2, adapter, which not only complies to the latest Bluetooth 1.2 Spec, it was also $10 less at my local Frys and was tested with OSX 10.3.5.



So far, I have used the Bluetooth to USB Adapter on the G5 (OS X 10.4.3), PowerBook G4 (OS X 10.4.3), iBook G4 (OS X 10.4.1), and a PC (Windows XP SP2) - works great everywhere.

Features
  • Bluetooth specification 1.2 compliant to reduce interference with Wi-Fi devices
  • USB specification 1.1 compliant
  • Eliminates cables between your computers
  • Communicates and controls Bluetooth-enabled devices
  • Enables wireless Personal Area Network (PAN) connectivity
  • Class 2 - Up to 66 feet (20 meters) wireless working distance
  • Compatible with Bluetooth Class 1 and 3 devices
  • Up to 723 Kbps data rate
  • Small form factor makes it easy to carry and use
  • Easy, fast, and intuitive installation and setup
  • Built-in security to assure the privacy of your communication Ð pairing, encryption, and authentication Mac and PC compatible

Here is what it looks like, when the Bluetooth USB Adapter is used by the G5

  • Apple Bluetooth Software Version: 1.6.0f2
  • Hardware Settings:
  • G5:
  • Address: 00-02-72-c4-b1-0b
  • Manufacturer: Broadcom
  • Firmware Version: 2.20 (2.777)
  • Bluetooth Power: On
  • Discoverable: No
  • Requires Authentication: No
  • HCI Version: 2 ($2)
  • HCI Revision: 20 ($14)
  • LMP Version: 2 ($2)
  • LMP Subversion: 777 ($309)
  • Device Type (Major): Computer
  • Device Type (Complete): Desktop Computer
  • Composite Class Of Device: 1057028 ($102104)
  • Device Class (Major): 1 ($1)
  • Device Class (Minor): 1 ($1)
  • Service Class: 129 ($81)




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Published on: Tuesday, May 03rd, 2005  •  Category: [hardware]
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