Is this the year you buy into Bluetooth? Bluetooth's success depends on ubiquity as much as user benefit.

HAS BLUETOOTH crossed your radar screen? Bluetooth is a relatively low-cost, low-power wireless technology that dynamically connects devices to one another over small distances--ten meters or less. Based on a triad of hardware, software, and specialized communication protocols, Bluetooth-enabled devices communicate using limited-range two-way radio. A single Bluetooth network cell supports up to eight devices, but devices can dynamically join and leave a cell. Communication between devices is based on device profiles that define how devices connect, authenticate, and exchange data with one another.

Hands-free takes hold

Bluetooth is seeing some success as a cell phone accessory. It's most commonly used as a way to wirelessly connect headsets to cell phones. There's a clear need here. Many people worry about the health risks that come from heavy cell phone usage and see headsets as a solution. Using a headset to go hands-free has another health benefit: safer driving.

Two popular Bluetooth headsets, Plantronics M1000 and JABRA FreeSpeak, will each set you back $US150-$200. You also have to get a (more expensive) Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone, or spend an extra few dollars for an adapter that lets you use a Bluetooth headset with a non-Bluetooth phone. Of course, wired headsets are available for $30-$50, so you have to consider whether avoiding a tangle of wires is worth the extra money.

I know what you're thinking. There must be a less expensive way to wirelessly connect headsets to cell phones. After all, cordless landline phones have been around for more than a decade and give you a whole phone for the cost of a Bluetooth headset. There's no reason headset makers couldn't use the same kind of technology to connect to cell phones--if the cell phone manufacturers use compatible systems. But, there are several possible frequency ranges, types of radio systems, etc. This is where a standard comes in. Any standard would do, but Bluetooth is the one that's winning out with the cell phone manufacturers, and that's where it counts.

An issue of convenience

Bluetooth has been slower to gain momentum as a way to connect computer peripherals. Microsoft has recently thrown its weight behind the standard, releasing a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard for Windows XP. HP also released a Bluetooth printer. To use these cable-free, your PC also needs a Bluetooth radio card. The other major maker of peripherals, Logitech, has yet to commit to Bluetooth. It seems to be testing the waters with a Bluetooth device that lets you cordlessly control presentation software such as Microsoft PowerPoint.

For buyers, price is an obstacle. Getting rid of cables is a convenience, and it remains to be seen how much consumers will pay for it. Will they pay $159 to "upgrade" to the Microsoft Bluetooth cordless keyboard/mouse combo? Or, will they wait until they buy their next computer to get Bluetooth-enabled? If Bluetooth becomes a standard feature on new PCs and printers, it might give users a reason to buy new gear earlier than they would otherwise.

Raising awareness 

There's another obstacle: awareness. Some consumers would pay for Bluetooth--if they knew about it. Bluetooth is hardly a blip on the general public's radar screen, according to a survey from research firm In-Stat/MDR. However, the survey shows there s strong interest in wireless printing, cordless connectivity among devices, and cordless mobile phone headsets--benefits of Bluetooth.

Tangled headset wires and unsightly cables sound like minor points, but they're usability issues--these are the things that can make or break a technology. They may just "make" Bluetooth--if the manufactures get on hoard.

Do you buy into Bluetooth? Write us at [e-mail].