Posted by gratefuldead
Hello,,
does anyone know if a bluetooth dongle will work if i can't install any software - ie i am using Microsoft XP at work. Will I be able to "plug and play" ?
I suppose this might depend on the bluetooth dongle in question?
Can anyone recommend one?
Posted by jcwhite_uk
A BT dongle will need drivers and you will need administrator rights to install it.
Posted by aminator
I think all dongles are subject to a driver install !
Posted by rdnymllnsktr
If you are using SP2 on your computer, it might be able to. I think it's the specific dongles that don't use the Widcomm drivers (or maybe they are the ones that use those drivers, I can't remember, haha).
However, I do know that there are bluetooth dongles that use the new and updated bluetooth drivers that are included in the SP2 for Windows XP, and allow these particular bluetooth dongles to be truly plug and play, with no rebooting of the computer, which I think is pretty cool.
I have no idea how to identify these dongles though.
Posted by |SE|Ben|SE|
if you get a belkin dongle they odnt need a driver you just right click on an item and send by bluetooth ..... simple
Posted by gratefuldead
cheers for the advice everyone most appreciated
- only have service pack one unfortunately
is it just SP2 that can do this? maybe if i get the belkin one, or one that boasts it can plug and play?
--- also - in general
will it make much of a difference if i get class one or class 2 dongle, or should i just get the cheapest?
Posted by rdnymllnsktr
Isn't the class 2 one the one with the 100 feet range? (not sure, asking everyone)
I guess look for one that is a true plug and play. Don't forget that plug and play CAN mean that after you install the software and reboot, that you can plug it in and remove it and plug it in and use it, and repeat.
Plug and play doesn't necessarily ALWAYS mean that you can just plug it in and play.
Posted by gratefuldead
not sure but i think it is class 1 with the 100m range?? does anyone know?
I might have to contact a manufacturer to get clarification on whether it will work with windows drivers
Posted by aminator
yep, class 1 = 100m range as per motorolas
Class 2 = A2DP support ?
Posted by gratefuldead
got a dongle today, but no it doesnt plug and play, requires the cd : (
which is even worse, the software it comes with: bluesoliel, says it is evalution only! and is set at 5mb max file size upload! ridiculous! i dont buy something just to be told i have bought evalution only software!
does anyone know if there is better/freer software out there, or should i just get a cracked version?
cheers for your help btw people, even for someone that thinks they have a good grasp of technology bluetooth can be tricky!