Using a Bluetooth Headset with your PC
Bluetooth
For those of you not familiar with the term, Bluetooth refers to a wireless protocol (or set of rules) designed for small range electronic applications (ordinarily less than 30 feet in distance). Although the technology has been around for several years, Bluetooth help for PC users has been restricted due to hardware manufacturers focusing on the more traditional 802.11 wireless covenant protocols (wifi). In reality, Bluetooth and wifi realize different purposes and each has its pros and cons.
Cellular Telephone Bluetooth Headsets
The cellular telephone convergence has long embraced Bluetooth technology, developing and refining copious wireless devices. One of the more well loved Bluetooth applications for cellular telephones has been cordless headsets which enable users to leave their telephone in their bag or pocket while still being able to make and receive calls. Bluetooth headsets are generally very frivolous, worn over one ear and realize talk times from 1-4 hours before needing a give a new lease of life.
Bluetooth PC Headset?
So if cellular telephone users have warmly embraced Bluetooth headsets, why not the PC convergence? At the time of writing, this author knows of no PC hardware manufacturer who has designed a Bluetooth Headset primarily for use with a PC. But, there is nothing to preclude a PC user from using a cellular phone Bluetooth Headset with their PC. Keep in mind though, these headsets were formerly envisioned for cellular phone use and may need a bit of tweaking before theyll go as well as corded headsets on your notebook.
USB Bluetooth Adapter
Unless you own a relatively expensive pad PC, odds are that your notebook doesnt natively help the Bluetooth protocol. If this is the case, youll need an Adapter or Dongle in order to make your notebook Bluetooth enabled. Bluetooth adapters are generally very small (a few inches long) and insert into a vacant USB port on your notebook. When purchasing an adapter its vital that you buy one that supports the headset protocol. The headset protocol is merely a set of rules which enables your Bluetooth adapter to communicate with and make use of Bluetooth headsets in its vicinity. If your adapter does not help the headset protocol, no amount of tweaking will get your headset working with your PC. Adapters generally run between $20 - $80 USD and can be bought at most PC retailers.
Buying a Bluetooth Headset
Bluetooth headsets for cellular phones are generally very expensive when compared with square corded PC headsets. Depending on where you buy your headset, you could spend everyplace from $20 to $200+ USD. If youre looking for a relatively low-priced headset thatll simply enable you to make wireless VoIP calls using your PC, I urge looking on Ebay. Although prices vary momentously on Ebay between merchants for similar products, by and large they are momentously less expensive than purchasing the same headset from a telephone store. A word of caution about Ebay though; ensure that you read the fine print associated with shipping costs. Some Ebay merchants make known Bluetooth Headsets for $5 USD but the real cost quickly rises to $35+ when you account for their often exorbitant shipping charges.
Pairing the Headset with your PC
Once your notebook is Bluetooth enabled and youve obtained a Bluetooth headset, youll need to pair the headset with your notebook in order to use it for VoIP applications. This is ordinarily just a matter of background your headset in discovery mode and allowing your PC to search or learn Bluetooth devices. The steps needed to enable discovery mode on your headset and adapter will vary between devices and should be visibly clarified in the documentation accompanying your devices.
Adjusting your Audio Settings
Depending on your hardware and in commission system, you may need to make adjustments to your audio settings after the headset is paired with your PC. In the Windows in commission system, this will involve accessing Audio Properties owing to the Control Panel and background the audio and voice devices to your newly paired Bluetooth headset. Again, adjusting these settings should be roofed in the documentation accompanying both your headset and Bluetooth adapter.
Once youre up and running, youll wonder why you didnt adopt this wireless headset solution sooner. The bluntness to wander away from your notebook whilst maintaining voice over Internet conversations is a touch youll come to be grateful for and like.
Author: Nathan Smith
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
