general compatibility question

Hi.
I'm finding it hard to find decent, unbias info' about bluetooth. I'm
looking to get involved in the format, with a wireless bluetooth keyboard
and mouse, but want to know about compatibility for future additions. How
many different bluetooth standards are there, is it one size fits all? The
Logitech bluetooth desktop I want comes with a hub. Will I be able to use
this for future additions like headsets and audio streaming units etc, or do
you have to be careful to get compatible hardware? I'm not sure how it
works, although I've heard that Microsoft's bluetooth desktop is not very
compatible. Any advice welcome, thanks.

Sorry if this is a bit basic. Is there a good forum or site for this kind
of general info'? Thanks again.

There's only one Bluetooth standard, but different implementations using one
or more "profiles". For more information on profiles read
http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.asp?contentid=108

Depending on the software developer one or more profiles are implemented. Of
course you have to get the device that comes with the software with the best
mix of profiles for your needs. You'll find that Widcomm based (TDK, Belkin,
Bluetake, Logitech) are very good and suitable for most uses. These devices
will allow you to use a multitude of other devices connected to them.

Avoid 3COM. Microsoft's first implementation was barely functional, but
Windows XP SP2 implements more profiles, and it's now native. It does not
implement LAP or PAN though, required for networking (at least on RC1).

Stereo headset and audio streaming are coming
(http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.asp?contentid=2611) but some will need
special software. We have to wait to see.

--
Mauricio Freitas, Microsoft MVP Mobile Devices
Bluetooth guides: http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.asp?contentid=449
Performance Centre (Pocket PC reviews):
http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.asp?ContentId=2028
Handango discount: http://www.geekzone.co.nz/handango_code.asp


"The Crow" <crappy.mesh-suck@poor.service.org> wrote in message
news:MbEqc.4798$wI4.573529@wards.force9.net...
> Hi.
> I'm finding it hard to find decent, unbias info' about bluetooth. I'm
> looking to get involved in the format, with a wireless bluetooth keyboard
> and mouse, but want to know about compatibility for future additions. How
> many different bluetooth standards are there, is it one size fits all?
The
> Logitech bluetooth desktop I want comes with a hub. Will I be able to use
> this for future additions like headsets and audio streaming units etc, or
do
> you have to be careful to get compatible hardware? I'm not sure how it
> works, although I've heard that Microsoft's bluetooth desktop is not very
> compatible. Any advice welcome, thanks.
>
> Sorry if this is a bit basic. Is there a good forum or site for this kind
> of general info'? Thanks again.
>
>

All the information from Mauricio is correct. Although if you're
looking to get invovled in the Bluetooth standard, or are developing
any bluetooth based products it's probably best to check the bluetooth
consortium website:

www.bluetooth.org

You'll need to sign up for the sight, but it does allow you to
downloand the entire bluetooth specification. ~ 15Meg PDF file.


"Mauricio Freitas" <dr.emailposter@nowhere.invalid> wrote in message news:<YNEqc.2993$FN.310757@news02.tsnz.net>...
> There's only one Bluetooth standard, but different implementations using one
> or more "profiles". For more information on profiles read
> http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.asp?contentid=108
>
> Depending on the software developer one or more profiles are implemented. Of
> course you have to get the device that comes with the software with the best
> mix of profiles for your needs. You'll find that Widcomm based (TDK, Belkin,
> Bluetake, Logitech) are very good and suitable for most uses. These devices
> will allow you to use a multitude of other devices connected to them.
>
> Avoid 3COM. Microsoft's first implementation was barely functional, but
> Windows XP SP2 implements more profiles, and it's now native. It does not
> implement LAP or PAN though, required for networking (at least on RC1).
>
> Stereo headset and audio streaming are coming
> (http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.asp?contentid=2611) but some will need
> special software. We have to wait to see.
>
> --
> Mauricio Freitas, Microsoft MVP Mobile Devices
> Bluetooth guides: http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.asp?contentid=449
> Performance Centre (Pocket PC reviews):
> http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.asp?ContentId=2028
> Handango discount: http://www.geekzone.co.nz/handango_code.asp
>
>
> "The Crow" <crappy.mesh-suck@poor.service.org> wrote in message
> news:MbEqc.4798$wI4.573529@wards.force9.net...
> > Hi.
> > I'm finding it hard to find decent, unbias info' about bluetooth. I'm
> > looking to get involved in the format, with a wireless bluetooth keyboard
> > and mouse, but want to know about compatibility for future additions. How
> > many different bluetooth standards are there, is it one size fits all?
> The
> > Logitech bluetooth desktop I want comes with a hub. Will I be able to use
> > this for future additions like headsets and audio streaming units etc, or
> do
> > you have to be careful to get compatible hardware? I'm not sure how it
> > works, although I've heard that Microsoft's bluetooth desktop is not very
> > compatible. Any advice welcome, thanks.
> >
> > Sorry if this is a bit basic. Is there a good forum or site for this kind
> > of general info'? Thanks again.
> >
> >