Employing a Bluetooth Headset with your Computer

Bluetooth

For these of you not familiar with the term, Bluetooth refers to a wireless protocol (or set of rules) created for short range electronic applications (typically less than 30 feet in distance). Despite the fact that the technology has been about for several years, Bluetooth support for Computer customers has been restricted due to hardware manufacturers focusing on the more traditional 802.11 wireless network protocols (wifi). In reality, Bluetooth and wifi achieve distinct purposes and each has its pros and cons.

Cellular Telephone Bluetooth Headsets

The cellular telephone community has long embraced Bluetooth technology, developing and refining many wireless devices. A single of the more well-liked Bluetooth applications for cellular telephones has been cordless headsets which enable customers to leave their telephone in their bag or pocket while nonetheless being able to make and get calls. Bluetooth headsets are usually very lightweight, worn over one ear and achieve talk times from 1-4 hours ahead of needing a recharge.

Bluetooth Computer Headset?

So if cellular telephone customers have warmly embraced Bluetooth headsets, why not the Computer community? At the time of writing, this author knows of no Computer hardware manufacturer who has created a Bluetooth Headset primarily for use with a Computer. Nevertheless, there is nothing to avoid a Computer user from making use of a cellular telephone Bluetooth Headset with their Computer. Keep in mind even though, these headsets were originally envisioned for cellular telephone use and may want a bit of 'tweaking' ahead of they'll carry out as properly as 'corded' headsets on your personal computer.

USB Bluetooth Adapter

Unless you personal a reasonably high-priced notebook Computer, odds are that your personal computer does not natively support the Bluetooth protocol. If this is the case, you will want an 'Adapter' or 'Dongle' in order to make your personal computer 'Bluetooth enabled'. Bluetooth adapters are usually very small (a handful of inches long) and insert into a vacant USB port on your personal computer. When getting an adapter it is essential that you acquire 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 support the headset protocol, no amount of 'tweaking' will get your headset operating with your Computer. Adapters usually run in between $20 - $80 USD and can be bought at most Computer retailers.

Buying a Bluetooth Headset

Bluetooth headsets for cellular phones are usually very high-priced when compared with conventional 'corded' Computer headsets. Based on where you acquire your headset, you could invest anywhere from $20 to $200+ USD. If you are looking for a reasonably affordable headset that'll simply enable you to make wireless VoIP calls making use of your Computer, I recommend looking on Ebay. Despite the fact that rates differ considerably on Ebay in between merchants for similar items, overall they are considerably less high-priced than getting the same headset from a telephone shop. A word of caution about Ebay even though make sure that you read the fine print connected with shipping costs. Some Ebay merchants advertise Bluetooth Headsets for $5 USD nonetheless the true expense speedily rises to $35+ when you account for their frequently exorbitant shipping charges.

'Pairing' the Headset with your Computer

As soon as your personal computer is 'Bluetooth enabled' and you have obtained a Bluetooth headset, you will want to 'pair' the headset with your personal computer in order to use it for VoIP applications. This is typically just a matter of setting your headset in 'discovery mode' and allowing your Computer to 'search' or 'discover' Bluetooth devices. The actions necessary to enable discovery mode on your headset and adapter will differ in between devices and must be clearly explained in the documentation accompanying your devices.

Adjusting your Audio Settings

Based on your hardware and operating technique, you may want to make adjustments to your audio settings following the headset is 'paired' with your Computer. In the Windows operating technique, this will involve accessing 'Audio Properties' by way of the 'Control Panel' and setting the audio and voice devices to your newly paired Bluetooth headset. Again, adjusting these settings must be covered in the documentation accompanying both your headset and Bluetooth adapter.

As soon as you are up and running, you will wonder why you didn't adopt this wireless headset remedy sooner. The freedom to wander away from your personal computer while sustaining voice over Internet conversations is some thing you will come to appreciate and love.

It is always highly suggested that you get additional input on best bluetooth headset, if needed. You can talk to people in the professional field, and that will guarantee you feel more comfortable. For even more pertinent discussion, you can take advantage of the material at bluetooth speaker reviews.